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.

5 DIY Ant-Proof Cat Bowls: Vet-Approved Ideas To Try Today (With Pictures)

Share

ant-proof red cat bowl_pedphoto36pm_Shutterstock

You’re not alone if you’re frustrated with ants getting into your cat’s bowl. It can be extremely frustrating, not to mention a waste of cat food. But we’re here to help. Here are our favorite DIY ant-proof cat bowls that you can make at home to solve your ant problem for good!divider 3 paws

The 5 DIY Ant-Proof Cat Bowls

1. Easy DIY Ant-Proof Bowl from The Links Site

How to Keep Ants out of Cat Food (A Quick and Easy DIY)
Photo Credit: thelinkssite
Materials: Large saucer, cat food bowl that fits into the saucer
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy

This easy-to-make ant-proof bowl uses two bowls instead of one. You will need a large bowl and a small one that fits inside the large one. Add water to the large one, and place your cat food inside the small bowl.


2. Water Moat Bowl from Instructables

ANT-PROOF PET FOOD BOWL
Photo Credit: instructables
Materials: Plastic container
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy

Making a water moat around your cat’s food bowl is the clear solution to ant problems. This version of an ant-free cat bowl uses a plastic outer bowl and a stainless-steel inner bowl.

Much like most other DIY ant-free bowls, you’ll make a water moat around your cat food, placing the food in the inner bowl.


3. Pot Lid Ant Proof Cat Feeder

ant proof pet food bowls
Photo Credit: Homify
Materials: Pot rack, plastic container/pet bowl, shallow lid
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy

Using a plain old pot rack will help make your cat bowl ant-proof and elevate the bowl for your cat. Elevated surfaces create less strain on your kitty’s neck and are more stable overall, meaning less likely to spill water or food. Put a little water onto your shallow lid, put the pot rack on top, and slot in your cat’s bowl. Voila, you have an elevated ant-proof cat bowl.


4. Baking Soda Barrier

diy feeding station
Image Credit: Alley Cat Allies
Materials: Baking soda, pet bowl
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy

Just a circular sprinkle of baking soda around your cat’s food and water bowls can keep away ants. This is similar to diatomaceous earth but more widely available. More importantly, it’s non-toxic to cats and less off-putting to their sensitive noses. Better yet, you likely already have the two things you need: a pet bowl and baking soda.


5. DIY Anti-Ant Pet Food Bowl

diy anti-ant pet food bowl
Image Credit: Seriously Trivial
Materials: Pet bowl, saucer dish
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy

Take your cat’s regular bowl and put it on a saucer dish with a bit of a lip on it. Then, all you need to do is fill the saucer with water, like a little moat. The ants won’t be able to get past the water, thus leaving your cat’s food free from ants. This DIY anti-ant bowl is that simple!divider 3 paws

Other Methods to Keep Ants Out of Cat Food

You can use several natural methods to prevent ants from stealing your cat’s food. The following avoid using toxic ant sprays, which, unfortunately, are also toxic to your cat.

1. Store food in plastic bins

The first defense against ant invaders is to store your pet’s food somewhere that they can’t get in. Airtight plastic containers are the best place to store cat food to avoid pests. It will also improve the freshness and shelf life of the kibble.


2. Make a barrier around your cat food

Ants won’t walk over the top of certain substances. You can use this fact and make a barrier around your cat’s food bowl to keep them out.

Here are a few options for barriers:

Make a circle around your cat food bowl with one of these substances to keep them out of the food. Do note, though, that the smell might be off-putting to your cat too.

Hepper NomNom - Spill Proof Elevated Cat Bowl
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
  • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

Choosing the right food and water bowls for our feline companions can pose certain challenges for pet owners. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl provides a chic and innovative solution that supports cat specific needs, such as shallow bowls and a subtle elevation that fosters whisker relief, posture comfort, and improves digestion. It features an elegant contemporary design with a wide wrap-around tray aimed at minimizing any messes from ending up on your floor! Furthermore, this bowl is entirely dishwasher safe, so pet owners are able to spend more time with their cats instead of cleaning up after them. Discover why the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is right for both you and your kitty by clicking here.

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!

 


3. Regularly clean the food bowl

Ants are most attracted to crumbs and leftover food. The easiest way to keep them out is to keep the bowl clean. Use pet-safe dish detergent to wash your cat’s dish every couple of days and rinse it well to remove any soap residue before putting food back in.

Washing animal food bowls under the tap in the kitchen sink.
Image Credit: MargaPI, Shutterstock

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

There are several easy and inexpensive ways to keep your cat’s food bowl ant-free. Use one of the DIY plans and other listed tips to keep those pests away!


Featured Image Credit By: pedphoto36pm, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




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

72 Dead – Another Nail in the Coffin of Tiger Tourism

Graceful, fearsome, and powerful, the majestic tiger may not be the “king of the jungle” but perhaps should enjoy the position of queen....

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat is Dependant on Treats! (March 16, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

What Feral Cats Actually Need From the People Who Feed Them

Feral cats are everywhere. Slipping between parked cars, darting under porches, appearing briefly at dusk before vanishing again. Most people see them, feel...

Capturing Catstanbul

Istanbul – famous for its bustling markets, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, there is one more feature of this Mediterranean capital that deserves...

More related

How to Help Children & Cats Bond: 9 Vet-Verified Tips

Cats and kids make great companions. Although fostering a healthy friendship can sometimes be challenging, it is much easier when you start by...

10 DIY Cardboard Cat Beds to Create at Home: Vet-Approved (With Pictures)

In this day and age of online ordering, we all seem to have an abundance of cardboard. You may have been looking for...

Cat Dingleberries: Vet Reviewed Causes & Prevention Tips

Dingleberries (singular dingleberry) is a slang term for dried feces stuck onto a cat’s fur around the anal area and back end. While...

How to Stop Cats From Scratching & Clawing Leather Furniture: 6 Vet-Verified Tips

Of course, you love your cat, but that doesn’t mean you love all of their behaviors–especially the more destructive ones. If your cat...

Keep reading

Are Savannah Cats Hypoallergenic? Vet Approved Facts & Allergy Prevention Tips

As a hybrid between wild African Servals and domestic cat breeds, Savannah cats are gorgeous animals with unique personalities. Because they shed less than many other breeds, you might wonder if Savannah cats are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, Savannah cats are not...

F2 Savannah Cat

Why Is My Cat Panting in the Car? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Unlike dogs, most cats do not like to travel with you in the car. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown or the tight space, cats can do some weird things when riding down the road. Your cat might meow,...

cat with head out car window travel

One Household Item That Kills More Cats Than You’d Think

Cats will eat the weirdest things. Hair ties vanish from bathroom counters. Earbuds disappear from nightstands. Ribbon from last night’s gift wrapping gets batted across the kitchen floor until it suddenly… doesn’t exist anymore. Most of those oddball snacks either...

vet holding sick cat

Why Is My Cat So Skittish? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Care Tips

Just like humans, cats have different personalities. If your cat is skittish, you may be wondering why. Some cats are simply shy and they are just as lovable! But others become skittish when they’re nervous or in pain. It’s important...

scared British blue-point cat hiding under the bed

How to Use a Flea Comb on a Cat: 4 Vet-Reviewed Steps

Cats are wonderful pets and generally don’t require much help from humans in the grooming and self-care department. However, our feline companions sometimes need a bit of assistance regarding things like brushing their teeth and ensuring that their coats remain...

flea combing a tabby cat, looking for fleas

How Long Should You Play With Your Cat? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

Cats need exercise in order to be at their healthiest. That’s a fact that we’re sure you know if you’re a cat owner, however, you may not always know how long you should be playing with them or even how...

cat playing with owner

Do Cats Eat Turtles? Vet Approved Facts & Concerns

If you have a cat in your home, you may find yourself constantly on guard against the random creatures they are known for bringing through the door. One animal found in your backyard, that may also interest you as a...

Turtle

Can Cats Eat Jalapeños? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Jalapeños are tasty, spicy peppers that people enjoy in a variety of dishes and are prepared in lots of different ways, such as raw, sauteed, and pickled. These peppers may be an enjoyable food item for people, but what about...

Can Cats Eat Jalapeños

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.