Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Ant-Proof Cat Bowls – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Cat drinking from a blue bowl

10 Best Ant-Proof Cat Bowls – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat drinking from a blue bowl

It is annoying always to find ants, dead or alive, messing in your cat’s bowl. Some ants are harmless when ingested, but others can cause an allergic reaction to your kitty. What’s worse, fire ants are venomous and will cause severe skin rashes when they bite.

How can you keep these ants away from your cat’s bowl? Insecticides and chemicals are effective but not safe for felines. They can cause insecticide toxicity with effects like weakness, vomiting, excess salivation, or difficulty breathing when ingested.

The safest and effective solution is to get an ant-proof cat bowl. These ant-proof bowls are designed to stop insects and ants from climbing into your kitty’s food.

If you want to invest in a quality ant-proof cat bowl, here is a review of the best ant-proof cat bowls. Not only are they functional but durable too.

divider-catclaw1

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl
  • Catches Mess
  • Modern
  • Easy to clean
  • Best Value
    Second place
    WDD 3-in-1 Ant Free Pet Dish WDD 3-in-1 Ant Free Pet Dish
  • Suitable for cats and dogs
  • Safe water barrier
  • Raised food bowl allows easy swallowing
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Yuwoda Ant Proof Cat Dog Bowl Yuwoda Ant Proof Cat Dog Bowl
  • No chemicals
  • No water needed
  • No smell
  • Antser Ant Proof Barrier Antser Ant Proof Barrier
  • For outdoor and indoor use
  • Internal water barrier deters ants
  • Easy to use
  • DYL No Ant Pet Bowl DYL No Ant Pet Bowl
  • Durable and easy to clean
  • Elevated moat barrier
  • Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
  • The 10 Best Ant Proof Cat Bowls

    1. Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl– Best Overall

    NomNom-Bowl-alone-1024x589

    Quality: 5/5
    Material: PP Plastic, Stainless steel
    Item Dimensions: 16″W x 9″D x 2″H

    The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl eliminates any risk of a mess with a high edged base that securely holds two whisker friendly dishes that can hold up to 10 oz. Its modern design means it will fit seamlessly in with all home decor.

    The entire set is dishwasher-friendly on the top rack and spare dishes can be purchased for those who like to have additional bowls on hand to account for wash cycles.

    The high sides of the NomNom make it nearly impossible for ants to crawl into the bowl and access any of the food you’ve left out for your cat. As an additional assurance, you can fill the drip tray with water to ensure that no ants make it past the moat.

    All in all, we think this is the best ant-proof cat bowl available today.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Drip tray prevents ants from reaching food
    • Shallow dishes offer whickers relief
    • Dishwasher safe
    • Stainless steel & PP plastic
    Cons
    • Only comes in three colors

    2. WDD 3-in-1 Ant Free Pet Dish – Best Value

    WDD 3-in-1 Ant Free Pet Dish

    Quality: 4.7/5
    Material: Plastic
    Item Dimensions: 11.25″ L x 5.75″ W x 3.5″ H

    If you are on a budget, the WDD 3-in-1 Ant Free Pet Dish is the best ant-proof cat bowl for the money. It features a water reservoir that creates a barrier between the ants and your cat’s meals. In addition, the food bowl is raised for easier swallowing and comfort.

    This ant-free dish has a 4 oz. capacity and a water system for convenience. It is made from durable and non-toxic plastic. You can disassemble it for easy cleaning.

    Pros
    • Suitable for cats and dogs
    • Safe water barrier
    • Raised food bowl allows easy swallowing
    • Holds food and water
    Cons
    • Quite small

    3. Yuwoda Ant Proof Cat Dog Bowl Tray – Premium Choice

    Yuwoda Ant Proof Cat Dog Bowl

    Quality: 4.7/5
    Material: Plastic
    Item Dimensions: 9.25″ L x 9.25″ W x 1.38″ H

    If you are looking for an ant-proof mechanism that does not involve a moat or chemicals, try the Yuwoda Ant Proof Cat Bowl Tray. You need no water, gel, or chemicals to keep ants away.

    Instead, the tray has a natural barrier that deters ants. The tray confuses an ant’s vision and smell, prompting it to stop searching for food on the upper disk. The walls produce a diluting effect to prevent the dispersion of the smell of food. Since the food’s smell is weaker on the tray, it confuses the ants. The tray has a maximum weight capacity of 13.23 pounds.

    Pros
    • No chemicals
    • No water needed
    • No smell
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Larger ants may get to the food

    4. Antser Ant Proof Barrier

    Antser Ant Proof Barrier

    Quality: 4.7/5
    Material: Plastic
    Item Dimensions: 14.1″ L x 10.1″ W x 1.8″ H

    Although the Antser Ant Proof Barrier is not a cat bowl, it keeps ants away. It uses water or a combination of liquid soap and water to prevent ants from accessing the top surface.

    You need to fill the inside ridges with hot or cold water and around the outside ridges. Then, put the lid back and place your cat’s bowl on the barrier. This ant-proof barrier can be used indoors and outdoors. Its 9 x 13-inch surface can hold a food and water dish simultaneously.

    Pros
    • For outdoor and indoor use
    • Internal water barrier deters ants
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Ants can get to food when the water dries up

    5. DYL No Ant Pet Bowl

    DYL No Ant Pet Bowl

    Quality: 4.8/5
    Material: Polypropylene, Plastic
    Item Dimensions: 5.12″ L x 5.12″ W x 2.95″ H

    The DYL No Ant Pet Bowl ranks as one of our best ant-proof bowls. It features a moat barrier that prevents ants from coming into contact with your pet’s food. The dish with the moat barrier keeps the feeding bowl at an elevation and away from ants.

    Besides, the elevated angle makes it easier for your cat to feed as it prevents whisker fatigue. This DYL bowl is made of durable polypropylene plastic, which is detachable and easy to clean. You can use it indoors or outdoors.

    Pros
    • Durable and easy to clean
    • Elevated moat barrier
    • Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
    Cons
    • Too small

     

    6. With You Cat Dog Pet Food Bowl

    With You Cat Dog Pet Food Bowl

    Quality: 4.5/5
    Material: Polypropylene, plastic
    Item Dimensions: 14.5″ L x 7.75″ W x 2″ H

    This With You Food Bowl is designed to keep ants away from your pet’s food. The bowl has a wide, deep-water moat, so ants cannot get to the food. However, if you do not fill the moat with water or have bits of food in it, the ants will find a route to the feeding bowl.

    Apart from keeping ants away, this model contains two bowls. You can use one bowl for your cat’s food and the other for water. The food bowl has a 32 oz. capacity, which is an ideal size for kitties’ meals.

    The bowl is made of environmentally safe and durable plastic. It is also dishwasher safe.

    Pros
    • Wide deep-water moat
    • Features double bowls
    • Environmentally safe and durable plastic
    • Holds 32 oz. of food or water
    Cons
    • Not ant-proof if the moat dries up

    7. Bugout Pet Feeder

    Bugout Pet Feeder

    Quality: 4.5/5
    Material: Polypropylene, plastic
    Item Dimensions: 14″ L x 11″ W x 7″ H

    Bugout Pet Feeder is a compact, modern, ant-proof bowl with a unique patented design to keep ants away. The ant-proof design uses water to surround the food bowl, thus creating a barrier. Your cat gets to enjoy fresh food and water, free of ants.

    The feeder includes a 6-inch removable bowl that holds up to 5 cups of food. You can use it for cats or dogs. Additionally, the feeding system has an automatic water station to keep your pet hydrated. Its self-leveling system ensures the water levels are at the perfect height. The unit comes with a 2-liter plastic bottle to get you started.

    Pros
    • Ant-proof design
    • Automatic water system
    • Sturdy construction
    • BPA free
    Cons
    • Messy when cats knock off the water bottle

    8. Ant Proof Bowl

    Ant Proof Bowl

    Quality: 4.4/5
    Material: UV-rated Non-toxic Resin
    Item Dimensions: 5.1″ L x 11.5″ W x 4.57″ H

    This Ant Proof Bowl features a simple yet effective design for keeping ants at bay. It is tall, has a wide mouth, and appears as if the bowl is stacked into another, a design that prevents ants from accessing your pet’s food.

    Since the pet bowl does not use a water system, it is maintenance-free. It is also safe for cats because it is made of UV-rated and non-toxic resin. You can use the bowl with cats of all life stages.

    Pros
    • No water required
    • Easy to use
    • Elevated design offers comfort and convenience during meals
    Cons
    • Faulty at times

    9. Iconic Pet Anti Ant Stainless Steel Pet Food/Water Bowl

    Iconic Pet Anti Ant Stainless Steel Pet Food Water Bowl

    Quality: 4.1/5
    Material: Stainless Steel
    Item Dimensions: 6.75″ L x 6.75″ w x 2″ H

    The Iconic Pet Food Bowl features a raised rim design and an anti-skid rubber base so ants cannot crawl into your kitty’s food. This ensures that your cat’s food is hygienic and healthy.

    The bowl is made of premium-grade stainless steel for durability. The non-skid rubber base ensures stability, making the dish ideal for cats and dogs.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Stable
    • Dishwasher safe
    • Raised rim design keeps ants away
    Cons
    • Ants can access the bowl if part of it touches the ground.

    10. Ant Proof Raised Pet Bowl for Cats with Stainless Steel Dish

    Ant Proof Raised Pet Bowl for Cats

    Quality: 4.0/5
    Material: Alloy Steel
    Item Dimensions: 4.5″ L x 4.5″ W x 6″ H inches

    This ant-proof cat bowl is a stainless-steel dish with a sturdy stand and a Bug Snub Insect Blocking Gel. The gel creates a sticky, goopy barrier that ants cannot walk on.

    Apply the gel on the underside of the bowl and press it firmly to the stand. For best results, ensure that the ant-proof dish is free-standing. When it touches a wall or furniture, the ants can bypass the gel. Also, inspect whether there is foreign debris like pet hair or dust on the gel to create a bridge for ants.

     

    Pros
    • Sturdy stand
    • Insect-blocking gel deters ants
    • Elevated feeding position is comfortable for cats
    Cons
    • No instructions on how to assemble it

    yarn ball divider

    Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Best Ant Proof Cat Bowl

    Ant-proof bowls are much better at keeping ants and other insects away from your cat’s food than insecticides and chemicals. But how can you find the best ant-proof cat bowl? Here are the factors to consider.

    kitten drinking water_AleksandarMilutinovic, Shutterstock
    Photo Credit: AleksandarMilutinovic, Shutterstock

    Size

    The ideal ant-proof cat bowl should be comfortable for your pet to feed on.  If the bowl is too small or too large, your feline may have trouble eating. In addition, your cat will be forced to feed in an uncomfortable position, which will lead to stress and digestive problems.

    Elevation

    When an ant-proof bowl is elevated, it becomes difficult for ants to crawl into the food. That is why raised bowls or those with a stand work great at keeping ants away.

    Black cat drinking from a raised bowl
    Photo Credit: netti67, Pixabay

    Material

    Ant-proof cat bowls should be made of high-quality and durable material. Most are made of stainless steel since it is tough. Others are made of high-quality plastic, particularly those with a moat barrier. When considering moat bowls, ensure that the plastic is free of toxic chemicals.

    Easy to Clean

    It is best to choose an ant-proof bowl that is easy to clean. It should be easy to assemble and disassemble or dishwasher safe. Remember that leftover food attracts ants and insects, while a clean bowl does the opposite.

    Cat ball divider 1

    Conclusion

    Ant-proof cat bowls are designed to keep ants and other insects away. They are safer than toxic chemicals and pesticides. Overall, the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl ranks as our best ant-proof bowl. The modern design stops ants from reaching your cat’s food, while its elevated position prevents whisker fatigue. It is also durable, easy to clean, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

    If you are on a tight budget, consider the WDD 3-in-1 Ant Free Pet Dish. It holds food, drinking water, and a moat barrier. Your pet can eat and drink without worrying about interfering ants. We hope this guide helped you narrow down the best ant-proof cat bowl.


    Featured Photo Credit: birgl, Pixabay

    Get Catster in your inbox!

    Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
    Catster Editors Choice Badge
    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.