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.

No products found.

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.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Is Your Cat Happy? Here’s How You Can Tell

Cats have a reputation for being indifferent, even inscrutable. But despite their seemingly ambivalent appearance, cats experience many emotions, including happiness, and they...

Human Brains Age Like Cats – New Study Debunks the 7-Year Rule

If you’ve ever caught your senior cat staring blankly at a wall, wandering the halls at 3 am, calling out for no clear...

Chatting with Devin About Here! Have a Kitten, Fostering, & Why Two Are Better Than One | Chatty Cattys, Episode 29

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole & Dr. Karyn sit down with Devin, the founder and one-woman show behind “Here...

Decoding The Cat Loaf: What It Means and When to Worry

Few cat behaviors have captured the internet quite like the loaf. Paws tucked neatly beneath the body, tail wrapped in, perfectly rectangular. As...

More related

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Momma Cat Is Very Thin! (May 18, 2026)

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

Quarantine Kittens: The Night I Became An Accidental Midwife for Milly (With Video)

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

Are Snapdragons Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Verified Houseplant Safety

Snapdragons are tall, candy-colored perennials that are usually grown as annuals. Gardeners grow snapdragons to brighten a garden or a front porch and...

6 Vet-Approved Tips for Having a Cat-Friendly Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with your family and loved ones and reflect on all the things you’re grateful for. While it’s...

Keep reading

How to Groom Long-Haired Cats: 10 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks

When it comes to grooming, having a cat that enjoys it is a bit hit or miss. Some cats love being brushed and groomed. Others aren’t the biggest fans. Whether they like it or not, cats need grooming. This is...

brushing cat fur

Cat Cake Recipes: 5 Vet-Approved Homemade Treats

What’s more festive or celebratory than a decadent cake? We can’t imagine a birthday or holiday without one, and sharing these moments with our cats shouldn’t be an exception! For dedicated cat owners, we figured it was time to whip...

little ginger kitten eats wet food on a plate

Are Cats Social Animals? Vet-Approved Facts

Dogs and cats are the two most popular pets worldwide, but their reputations differ. While dogs are considered friendly pets that want to be part of a pack, cats are considered independent loners that are fine on their own. So,...

burmese cats lying on sofa

How Is My Cat Sleeping with Their Head Up? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

As cat parents, we already know that cats are strange creatures. They run through the house in the wee hours of the night, expect their food bowls to be refilled at certain times of the day, and they sometimes even...

gray and white cat sleeping on a wood

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Recommendations

There’s quite a bit of controversy today concerning whether or not cats should eat raw meat. In the wild, cats of old would capture their prey and eat them on the spot. What about after thousands of years of domestication?...

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken

Why Has My Cat Suddenly Stopped Eating: 13 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats tend to be fond of food, so if your cat suddenly stops eating, it’s common to feel that something terrible is wrong with them. And there are some cases where your cat isn’t eating because they aren’t feeling well....

cat in front of a bowl with meat and vegetables

Does Sevin Dust Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Verified Risks & Safety Info

Sevin Dust is an insecticide with active ingredients, including carbaryl, bifenthrin, and zeta-cypermethrin. It is commonly used in garden spaces to kill unwanted pests. Sevin Dust should never be used directly on your cat, it is highly toxic to cats....

vet holding magnifying glass searching cat fleas

Can Cats Eat Bird Seed? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & Warnings

If you have a cat that stays indoors, you likely won’t ever have to worry about him eating bird seed. But if your cat spends lots of time outdoors, you’ve probably noticed him eating bird seed that has fallen on...

Can Cats Eat Bird Seed

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.