Get

In Your Inbox

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.

8 Best Ant-Proof Cat Bowls in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat drinking from a blue bowl

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 2 cats

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025

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
  • Third place
    BugSnub Ant Proof Tray BugSnub Ant Proof Tray
  • No water required
  • No need to buy a whole new feeder
  • Gel is food-grade
  • 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 8 Best Ant-Proof Cat Bowls

    1. Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl– Best Overall

    Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl

    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 Design The 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. BugSnub Ant Proof Tray – Premium Choice

    Quality: 4.5/5
    Material: Melamine, plastic
    Item Dimensions: 16” L x 12” W x 2” H

    If you’ll spend any amount of money to keep ants away from your kitty’s bowl, consider the BugSnub Ant Proof Tray. This product eliminates the need to buy your kitty a whole new bowl, as it allows you to use any feeder your kitty is used to. The tray, while not particularly nice to look at, is large enough to fit two cat bowls.

    It’s a waterless, moat-free, ant-proof solution that utilizes the company’s special BugSnub gel to create a physical barrier between the ants and your cat’s food. The gel is a mineral oil-based, food-grade product applied to the bottom of upside-down cups. A single application can last an entire year, so you don’t need to worry about refilling empty moats or the water evaporating while you’re away.

    The gel is very sticky, which is good for catching the ants, but it can be a bit challenging to apply. We recommend wearing gloves and using a paintbrush to apply to keep messes to a minimum.

    Pros
    • No water required
    • No need to buy a whole new feeder
    • Gel can last an entire year
    • Gel is food-grade
    • Tray can fit two cat bowls
    Cons
    • Not very attractive looking
    • Expensive

    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

    4UtoShop 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

    Ant Away 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 another 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. PetsLike Ants Away Dog Bowl

    PetsLike Ants Away Dog Bowl

    Quality: 4/5
    Material: Polypropylene
    Item Dimensions: 8.6” L x 8.6” W x 3.3” H

    The PetsLike Ants Away Dog Bowl is a large-capacity ant-proof cat bowl boasting a capacity of 24 ounces. Its wide and deep moat works like a charm to keep pesky critters out of your kitty’s food. Its four non-slip rubbers on the bottom ensure your enthusiastic kitty won’t tip their bowl over at meal time, protecting your floor and keeping messes at bay. It’s made with a phthalate- and lead-free material, so it’s safe for your furry family members. This bowl comes in a two-piece set, so you can have matching water and food receptacles. It’s simple to clean either by hand or by putting it in the top rack of your dishwasher.

    While slip-resistant feet are good in theory, they tend to fall out. Some buyers reported having to re-glue them in to keep them operating as they should. The moat is a bit shallower than some of the other options on our list, so the water does evaporate pretty quickly. You’ll need to refill it more often to keep it operating as it should.

    Pros
    • Anti-slip rubber feet
    • No lead or phthalates
    • Large capacity
    • Deep moat keeps ants out
    Cons
    • Feet sometimes fall out
    • Moat is too shallow

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

    ICONIC PET 16 oz: 2 Cup Stainless Steel Non Skid 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.

    divider 2 cats

    Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in an 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.

    divider 2 cats

    Our Ant-Proof Cat Bowls Selection Process

    Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best ant proof bowls for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about ant proof cat bowls. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.

    divider 2 cats

    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

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Cat Trap Fever – Meet the Mother/Daughter Team Tackling Cat Overpopulation (with Video)

    Have you ever looked at a problem and thought to yourself, “But what could I do?” or “How much difference can one person...

    How to Care for a Cat With Diabetes: Our Vet Shares 7 Tips

    Diabetes in cats is fairly common. Many people become concerned when they receive the diagnosis, knowing that their cat now has this lifelong...

    Can You Use Baby Shampoo on a Cat? Feline Shampoo Guide

    Many cats don’t particularly enjoy being bathed, but sometimes it is necessary. Most cats never need shampooing, but if your cat has a...

    Can Cats Die of Old Age? Vet-Approved Facts & Care Tips

    Our beloved cats give us a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy, but aging will ultimately take its toll on all of us....

    More related

    My Cat Ate a Fly: Vet-Verified Dangers & Tips

    Cats will chase after and pounce on anything that moves, including small insects. Grasshoppers and flies are popular targets, and they flutter and...

    Norwegian Forest Cat Health Problems: 3 Vet-Reviewed Issues

    Norwegian Forest Cats are generally pretty healthy. However, just like any purebred animal, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these...

    Cats and the Art of Hygge: Raphy Cuddles Up

    Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about...

    F2 Savannah Cat: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

    If you’ve considered adopting a more exotic cat, you might have looked at getting a Savannah cat. This stunning feline has adorable ears,...

    Keep reading

    Virtual Vet Visits: What to Expect & FAQ (Vet Verified)

    Virtual doctor visits or telemedicine is a product of the pandemic and the restrictions it imposed. Nevertheless, virtual vet visits have stuck around and serve a purpose and have many benefits for pet owners, particularly for cats. Dogs often ride...

    female veterinarian doing virtual vet visits

    Do All Cats Have a Primordial Pouch? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    Cats can be a real mystery for a lot of reasons. They’re unique and independent creatures that often leave us scratching our heads. One of the unusual things you may have noticed about cats is that it seems like they...

    Fat Cat On Floor

    Can Cats Get Dizzy? Vet-Reviewed Science & Facts

    While dogs are often jokers, cats are the elegant masters of the home. We rarely see cats, especially adult felines, tripping around the house or running into walls. However, sometimes, you might notice your cat begin to stumble or wobble...

    cat dizzy

    8 Best Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Your cat was just diagnosed with kidney disease, and you want to do everything you can to help support their kidney function. Your veterinarian suggests a diet designed to support the kidneys, but are there any supplements you can give...

    Gray - blue maine coon reaching for a treat outdoors

    What Emotions Can Cats Feel? What Science Has to Say

    There is a long-held belief that dogs are more affectionate and emotional than cats. Dogs can express themselves with jumping, barking, wagging tails, and excitement. Cats, on the other hand, are usually aloof. It can be hard to tell what...

    tuxedo cat is smiling

    Do Kittens Sleep a Lot? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    There’s nothing quite like the angelic and innocent sight of a sleeping kitten. Kittens of all breeds spend their days learning, growing, playing, eating, and snoozing, and they’ll spend the rest of their lives doing these same activities even as...

    kittens sleeping

    Sudden Blindness in Cats: 4 Vet Approved Possible Causes and What to Do

    Cats are known for having great peripheral and night vision. They spot things like mice and flies much easier than we humans can. In general, a cat’s eyesight should stay healthy and strong throughout their life. However, things can happen...

    Portrait of a blind tabby cat

    Munchkin Cat Health Problems: 10 Vet-Reviewed Issues

    Thanks to social media, Munchkin cats are becoming more widely known and well-loved by many people. These cute cats are instantly lovable because of their short legs, long bodies, and loving personalities. Although there are not many medical conditions that...

    Catster_Health Problems of Munchkins