Are you tired of ants invading your outdoor cat’s food? It’s a common problem, especially during warmer months. Fortunately, there’s a quick, easy, and affordable solution to keep those pesky ants away from your cat’s food bowl. This DIY method will show you exactly How To Keep Ants Out Of Outdoor Cat Food, using just a few simple items.
For many cat owners, like myself, having cats that enjoy spending time outdoors is a joy. Our cats, Maddy and Wally, love their daily excursions. However, providing them with dry food outside can quickly turn into an ant buffet if you’re not careful. While ants are less of a problem in winter, warmer weather brings them out in droves, and they’re quick to find any available food source.
Black ants crawling all over dry cat food in a blue bowl.
This summer, I discovered a simple and effective solution to keep ants out of our cats’ food bowls. It doesn’t involve buying expensive “ant-proof” bowls. Instead, all you need is a plant pot saucer (the kind you put under a potted plant to catch water), some water, and your cat’s food bowl. Make sure the saucer is slightly larger in diameter than your cat’s food bowl.
DIY Ant-Proof Cat Food Bowl
This method is incredibly easy to set up and maintain, ensuring your cat’s food stays ant-free. Here’s how to create your own ant-proof cat food station.
What You’ll Need:
- Plant pot saucer (slightly larger than your cat’s food bowl)
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Placement: Choose a suitable location for your cat’s food bowl and place the plant pot saucer there.
- Add Water: Pour a small amount of water into the saucer. You only need enough water to cover the bottom of the saucer. Avoid adding too much water, as it might cause a lightweight plastic bowl to float.
- Position the Bowl: Place your cat’s food bowl inside the saucer.
That’s it! You’ve created a simple yet effective barrier to keep ants away.
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly check the water level in the saucer and replenish it as needed. The water will evaporate over time, especially in warmer weather.
- Ensure your cat has a separate bowl of fresh water for drinking.
How Does This Work?
The water in the saucer creates a “moat” around the cat’s food bowl. Ants are unable to cross the water barrier, preventing them from reaching the food. This simple method allows your cats to enjoy their dry food throughout the day without the annoyance of ants.
This method has worked exceptionally well for Maddy and Wally. They can now access their dry food without having to share it with unwanted tiny guests! We prefer to give our cats dry food during the day and save wet food for the evening. This helps encourage them to come inside when it gets dark.
Additional Tips for a Pest-Free Feeding Area
While the water moat is effective, here are a few extra tips to further minimize ants around your cat’s feeding area:
- Clean Up Spills: Regularly clean up any spilled food around the bowl. Ants are attracted to even small crumbs.
- Elevated Feeding Station: Consider using an elevated feeding station. This can make it more difficult for ants to reach the bowl, especially if you combine it with the water moat method.
- Food Storage: Store your cat food in an airtight container. This prevents ants from being attracted to the food source in the first place.
Enjoy Ant-Free Feeding!
Keeping ants out of your cat’s outdoor food doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With this simple DIY solution, you can create a pest-free feeding environment for your feline friend. Say goodbye to ant-infested food bowls and hello to happy, well-fed cats!
