Gourmet Pens: Review: Yeowww! Catnip Banana

If you are like me, and only have cats (although I would love to have a dog), you wander all the aisles of the pet department in all the stores you go to. Or at least most of the stores. I have always found that dogs get better toys than cats do. They're more fun, they're more interesting, there's waaay more to choose from. I realize a lot of cat haters who are dog lovers would say "dogs rule, cats drool" or something, which I actually find very upsetting because I love both... anyway. I don't think it's because dogs are better than cats that they get more fun toys, I just think they have different needs - such as to chew. Hence all the chew toys. Generally, this makes me want a dog even more because not only would I love to have a dog, I would also love to be able to pick out dog toys. It just seems like so much more fun. But cats deserve fun things, too! And so do cat owners!

Where does this bring me? Catnip. Everyone knows catnip makes cats go bonkers and that's the leading "cat toy" that most people get. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a flowering perennial herb belonging to the Lebiatae mint family. In fact, if you try it as a tea, it does taste minty and it's quite nice. And this clever little plant is hugely popular with kitties.

The compound that is so appealing to cats is the essential oil nepetalactone. As we've all witnessed, it makes cats kooky, but adorably so and very much to our entertainment. However, not every cat is interested in catnip. It's a genetic thing: an autosomal dominant trait, so it's more likely your cat will respond to it but a minority will not. Kittens don't seem to be interested in catnip but alas, who wants to give a kitten catnip? They're already crazy and tearing around without it.

Typically, cats will sniff the source, lick and chew, head shake, rub their chins and cheeks, head roll and then roll around in the catnip. Some lucky owners have cats that drool with euphoria! How very attractive.

Great Reasons to Yeowww!

1. Fulfills Owners Need to Acquire Fun Toys for Their Cats

If you want a fun, fantastic, interesting and quirky cat toy, you want to look at Yeowww! Catnip toys. These toys make even me happy when I have to go pick up a new one. I have always stuck to the trusty banana.

2. Organically Grown

Yeowww! is organically grown catnip made by DuckyWorld Products, Inc, stuffed into those delightfully funny shaped things that kitties love to grapple with. Such as the banana. Or, you can buy it loose for whatever your purposes. Check out their wide range of product shapes here!

3. Locally Made

Not only is the catnip organically grown - making it safer for the love(s) of your life - it's handmade and stuffed right here in the USA. Yessir, you can feel good about buying a locally made product. And these products are found in local pet stores/independent stores, boutiques and gift shops, not the big chains. The Yeowww! Catnip banana measures 6.5" x 2.5" x 1.25" (though being handmade, they do vary in shape in very, very minor ways) and is made of high-quality cotton.

4. Chock Full of the Good Stuff

Why else are Yeowww! catnip toys outstanding? Well, they're not just a sprinkle of catnip with a bunch of polyester filler, like a lot of other toys are. They're literally stuffed full of premium catnip. Before I toss the banana to my cats (if they haven't already dragged it around themselves), I roll it in my hands to get that smell going and it drives them crazy!

Yeowww! catnip is a signature blend of leaf and flower tops - containing that yummy nepetalactone, making it extra delicious for your kitties.

5. Good for Kitty’s Health

Unfortunately, obesity in cats is a big concern - it can seriously cut your kitty's lifespan down. Yeowww! catnip products are mentally stimulating for your kitties and all that bunny-kicking and excitement is good for their health! You can throw these toys and they'll gallop after it (or in Tyco's case, lumber at a fast pace). This is all great exercise for them and can help reduce chronic illnesses related to being overweight. And they’ll love playing with you, too.

6. Bonding Time

Tossing some Yeowww! catnip toys around and playing with your kitties can offer you both some quality bonding time. You may get to see your young cats go whacky and even your senior kitties become youthful and more active again!

7. Long-Lasting

Now, you may think it's crazy to spend $7 (average) on a peculiar looking lumpy banana full of catnip, but it's well worth it. Not only will your cat be obsessed with it (assuming they respond to catnip to begin with), it will take a good, bunny-kicking, slobbery beating and it will last a long time. If your cat likes to lick it, like Angel used to, it will discolor after awhile. Do not be alarmed. This will not affect your cat's interest in it. They will still drag it around and get frisky with it.

Tyco got a brand new banana all for himself last week. They are quite lovely when they are new - a very warm, inviting yellow. He is actually the first cat we've had that had just grabbed it and bitten right through it with his giant ragdoll teeth. Despite this, no catnip has fallen out. Which means it is seriously packed in there!!

Forbidden Love.