If I can’t find a screw hole during assembly, is it because it’s completely covered by the surface plush fabric?

Yes. To ensure the final assembled look is seamless and to keep the lounging area perfectly soft for your cat, pre-drilled holes on some boards are concealed beneath the outer ultra-soft plush fabric.

You simply need to press gently with your finger on the spot designated by the manual. Once you feel the indentation of the hole, push the screw straight through the fabric¡ªno need to snip the fabric with extra tools like scissors.