5 DIY Ant-Proof Cat Bowls: Vet-Approved Ideas To Try Today (With Pictures)
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!
The 5 DIY Ant-Proof Cat Bowls
1. Easy DIY Ant-Proof Bowl from The Links Site
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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!
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 MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and contain stray crumbs and drips. Protect your indoors and floors from wet and messy meals!
- WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy mealtime free from whisker fatigue!
- CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking hazard. Our cat feeding station materials are anti-chew for a 100% safe feeding frenzy!
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.
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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.
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
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Chelsie is a freelance writer who is passionate about helping owners and cats live their best lives. She currently lives in rural Alberta, Canada with her husband and two children, and is currently a pet parent to four horses, four cats, and a border collie.
