How To Keep Ants Out Of Cat Food
Last updated: 8th Dec 2023
Ants can be a real pain when it comes to feeding your cat. They will steal food and often prevent cat from eating. After all, would you eat your food if many ants crawled everywhere on it? Here is how to keep ants away from cat food.
How to keep ants out of pet food
There are several ways to keep ants out of your pet food. The most effective methods include:
Keeping extra pet food in a lidded plastic container.
Vacuuming the space around your pet’s bowl daily to keep it free of crumbs. If your pet’s food bowl is overrun with ants, place the food and the ants in a plastic bag and toss the plastic bag away in a lidded trashcan outside. Wash the food bowl with soap and water. Then, use soap and water to clean the area around the bowl to remove the ant trail scent (this is an excellent time to mop your entire floor, too).
Making a Food Bowl Moat. Place the food bowl in a shallow pan of water, like a pie tin, cake pan, or food bowl, a couple of sizes larger than your own. When you place the bowl inside the pan of water, there should be a circle of water around the food bowl. The water shouldn’t be so high that it spills into the pet food. As ants can’t swim, they’ll drown before they have the opportunity to get into your pet’s food.
Keeping your home, particularly the pet feeding area, clean. Never leave food in the open, wash your cat's bowl regularly, and use lidded trashcans.
Why an ant proof pet food bowl works
With most ant-proof pet bowls the outside of the bowl doesn’t touch the floor. If ants attempt to climb up a bowl, they have to do it from the inside where the bowl touches the floor.
They then have to climb down the inside, around the lip, and back up the outside to reach the food. However, they do not make it that far due to the shape of the bowl and the way ants climb. This prevents them from making it back down and around, causing them to fall off. As a result, they never even reach the outside of the bowl.
FAQs
What keeps ants away from cat food?
Draw a line around the cat bowl with chalk. Put newspaper under the bowl and surround the bowl with a line of ground cinnamon, chili powder, coffee grounds, or ash. Surround the edge of the food container with petroleum jelly. Spray lemon or vinegar on the floor around your pet's bowl.
How do you make an ant-proof cat food bowl?
Set a canning ring in a larger container & fill it with enough water to reach about halfway up the ring. Place the smaller food bowl on top of the ring (it must be an "island" in the water, not touching the outer edge of the larger bowl.) You now have an ant-deterrent "moat" around the food which will stop ants from getting in!
What kills ants but is safe for cats?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and inexpensive product that works wonders against ants and other common household pests. Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder produced from the remains of fossilized algae called diatoms. The powder has tiny microscopic pieces that are sharp.
What are some ways to repel ants from my cat's dry food?
Sprinkle a barrier of substances like cinnamon, vinegar, or diatomaceous earth around the area where you keep the food. Ants generally avoid these.
How do I get rid of an ant infestation around my pet's feeding area?
Clean the area thoroughly with a mixture of vinegar and water to eliminate ant trails and scent markers. Then, use ant traps or deterrents to keep them away.
Why are ants attracted to my cat's food bowl?
Ants are drawn to food odors. Even a tiny amount of spilled food residue can attract them. Keeping the feeding area clean is crucial to deterring ants.
Can I use natural methods to keep ants out of my cat's food?
Yes, substances like peppermint oil, citrus peels, or a line of chalk or baby powder can create barriers that ants won't cross.
Is there a way to keep ants away without using chemicals?
Absolutely, maintaining a clean feeding area, regularly wiping down surfaces, and ensuring there are no spills or crumbs around can go a long way in keeping ants at bay.
Should I put the food bowl in a specific location to keep ants out?
Placing the food bowl on a slightly elevated platform or in an area where ants have difficulty accessing (like on a tray with water) can help prevent ants from reaching the food.
How do I keep ants out of the dry food while still keeping it accessible to my cat?
Try storing dry food in airtight containers when not in use. Only put out the amount of food your cat will eat in one sitting to minimize attracting ants.
What if ants still get into the cat food despite precautions?
If ants manage to get into the food, discard it to ensure your cat doesn't consume contaminated food.
Are there long-term solutions for keeping ants away from my cat's food?
Consistency in cleanliness and employing preventive measures like natural repellents and barriers will help maintain an ant-free feeding area for your cat. Regular vigilance is key.
