Ants in cat food can be more than just a nuisance. They can contaminate the food, leading to health concerns for your cat, especially if your pet has allergies or sensitivities. Plus, wasted food adds up, both in cost and inconvenience.
Let’s explore why ants are attracted to cat food and effective ways to keep them at bay.
Why Ants Are Attracted to Cat Food
Ants have a strong sense of smell, which draws them to foods with strong scents or any sugary ingredients in your cat’s food.
Once one ant finds a source, it leaves a scent trail for others to follow, creating a line of ants within minutes. If the cat food is left out and unprotected, it’s essentially an open invitation for these persistent pests.
Tips to Keep Ants Out of Cat Food
1. Place Food in a Clean, Dry Area
- Choose a Strategic Spot – Keeping the feeding area clean and dry is essential to deter ants. Opt for feeding areas that aren’t near windows, doors, or other entry points where ants are likely to enter.
- Clean Regularly – Wipe down surfaces around the food bowl daily to remove any crumbs or residue that could attract ants. Regular cleaning helps to break the scent trail that ants follow.
2. Use a Barrier Around the Food Bowl
- Natural Deterrents – Try creating a small ring around the bowl using substances like vinegar, lemon juice, or cinnamon, which naturally repel ants. Just ensure these are placed a safe distance from the bowl, as some cats are sensitive to strong smells.
- Water Moat Technique – Place your cat’s food bowl in a shallow tray filled with water to create a moat around the food. Ants can’t swim across the water, so this simple method can be an effective barrier.
3. Elevate the Food Bowl
- Raised Platforms – Elevating the food bowl on a small platform can make it harder for ants to reach it. Check that the platform has smooth edges or legs, as these are more challenging for ants to climb.
- Anti-Ant Feeding Stations – Consider purchasing a specialised feeding station with anti-ant features. These elevated bowls are designed to keep ants out and are available at most pet stores or online.
4. Store Food Properly
- Airtight Containers – Dry cat food should always be stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh and ant-free. Containers with secure lids also help minimise the scent that attracts ants in the first place.
- Clean Spills Immediately – If food spills during feeding, clean it up right away to reduce the scent trail. Even small crumbs can attract ants, so keeping the area tidy makes a big difference.
Homemade and Commercial Solutions
Homemade Repellents
- Bay Leaves and Vinegar Sprays – Place a few bay leaves near the food bowl or spray vinegar around the area (but not too close to where your cat eats) to create a natural ant repellent. Both options are inexpensive and readily available.
- Essential Oils – Ants dislike scents like peppermint, lemon, and tea tree. Dab a few drops around the feeding area, but remember to keep these oils out of reach of your cat, as essential oils can be harmful if ingested.
Commercial Anti-Ant Bowls
- Anti-Ant Feeding Bowls – Some pet supply stores carry bowls specifically designed to keep ants out. These bowls often have a built-in water moat or raised design that helps prevent ants from reaching the food. They’re an excellent long-term solution if you frequently deal with ants.
Long-Term Preventative Measures
Regularly Inspect and Seal Entry Points
- Seal Doors and Windows – Check doors, windows, and other entry points where ants are likely to sneak in. Use sealants or weather strips to reduce ant entry.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices – Ants often enter through tiny cracks in walls or floors. If you notice trails of ants, locate their entry point and seal it to prevent further infestations.
Outdoor Feeding Adjustments
- Limit Feeding Time Outdoors – If you feed your cat outdoors, try setting out food only at specific times and removing it once your cat finishes. This helps minimise the time ants have to discover the food.
- Use an Anti-Ant Mat – Anti-ant mats are available for outdoor feeding and can serve as a quick way to discourage ants in an outdoor feeding area.
Natural Ant Deterrents Around Feeding Area
- Essential Oils, Citrus Peels, and Coffee Grounds – Try placing natural deterrents like peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, citrus peels, or coffee grounds near the feeding area. These natural scents can help keep ants at a distance without posing a risk to your pet.
Conclusion
Keeping ants out of your cat’s food requires a combination of preventive tactics and clean habits. By choosing the right feeding location, creating natural barriers, and using secure storage methods, you can keep your cat’s food ant-free and maintain a clean feeding area. Consistency is key, and with a few small adjustments, you’ll protect your pet’s food from these unwanted visitors, ensuring a safe, enjoyable mealtime for your cat.
