Our Story

Meowy Janes is owned and solely operated by a husband and wife duo, Carly and Bill. Along with our four kids and dog, a Great Pyrenees named Finnley, we have two cats, Allister and Cypress, who in part inspired us to start this business.

Our journey started when we realized our cats weren’t fans of the usual catnip toys. It turns out, not all cats react to catnip! That sparked a deep dive into the world of catnip alternatives – plants with different essential oils that can have similar effects on our feline friends. We were amazed to discover a whole world of options, many even more beloved than traditional catnip in other cultures. Along the way, we learned a lot about catnip itself, including the importance of using the whole plant, not just the stalks.

This passion for understanding cats’ needs comes from Carly’s years of experience working with animals. Before starting Meowy Janes, she spent about a decade as a pet groomer, where she loved connecting with the animals and helping them feel comfortable. This experience reinforced how different the needs of cats and dogs are and fueled a desire to help cat owners better understand their feline friends.

Inspired by our curious cats and Carly’s grooming background, we founded Meowy Janes in 2018 to share these amazing alternatives with cat lovers everywhere. We’re passionate about providing the freshest, highest-quality products, which is why we work with family farms and sustainable sources and handcraft our toys in small batches right here in our New Jersey workshop.

At Meowy Janes, we believe in enriching the lives of cats through play. We offer a variety of unique toys designed to engage your cat’s natural instincts with the added appeal of stimulating scents. We also want to help cat owners, especially those with indoor cats, understand the importance of play for their furry companions overall’ well-being.

Beyond toys, we offer a curated selection of delightful items for the cat-loving human, including handcrafted jewelry and other cat-themed treasures. And we’re always happy to answer any questions you might have about your cat’s behavior or disposition – just reach out!

You can find Meowy Janes online, at select online retailers, and occasionally at shows, fundraising events and expos throughout New Jersey and the greater tri-state area