How To Keep Ants Out Of Cat Food
Ants in cat food? Not cool, right? It’s a problem that many cat owners have faced. Those tiny pests seem to find their way into just about anything, and your cat’s food is no exception. But don’t worry; there are some simple and effective ways to keep ants out of your cat’s food dish. In this guide, we’ll show you how to keep ants out of cat food.
- Keep the Cat Food Dish at a height
If you want to keep ants out of your cat’s food, one of the easiest tricks is to elevate the food dish. Ants can’t fly, but they’re pretty good climbers. So, lift that food dish up! You can use something as simple as a platform or a tray with water, forming a natural moat that ants won’t cross. Just make sure it’s wide enough so the ants can’t swim across it. Your cat can still reach the food, but the ants won’t be able to join the feast.
- Clean Up Spills Quickly
Cats can be messy eaters, and crumbs around the food bowl are like an open invitation for ants. To prevent those tiny invaders, get into the habit of cleaning up any spills or food remnants as soon as your cat finishes eating. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
- Store Cat Food Properly
Ants have an excellent sense of smell, and they can detect food from a distance. If you leave your cat’s food bag or container open, you’re practically rolling out the welcome mat for ants. To keep them out, make sure you store the cat food in an airtight container. It’ll not only keep the kibble fresh but also prevent unwanted ant infestations.
- Use Ant Deterrents
Ant deterrents are substances that ants don’t like, and they’ll steer clear of them. Two common household items that work well for this are cinnamon and white vinegar. Sprinkle some cinnamon around your cat’s food area, and ants won’t want to cross the line. Similarly, a mix of white vinegar and water can be used to clean the feeding area, creating a scent barrier that ants find unpleasant.
- Double Up with Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape can be a sneaky but effective way to deter ants from reaching your cat’s food. Simply place the tape around the base of the food dish, sticky side up. Ants won’t be able to walk over it, and you won’t even notice it’s there. Your cat won’t mind it either since it doesn’t affect the food.
- Ant-Proof the Food Storage Area
Ants often find their way into your home from outside. So, one way to keep them out is to ant-proof the area where you store your cat’s food. Ensure that the storage space is clean, and if you spot any cracks or openings, seal them up to deny ants easy access. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.
- Try Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that’s safe for humans and pets but deadly for ants. Sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth around your cat’s food area, and it acts as a barrier that ants won’t want to cross. Just make sure you get food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other types might not be safe for your cat.
- Cat Food Moats
Cat food moats are handy little gadgets designed to keep ants out. They work like mini-moats, and ants can’t swim across water. Just place the food dish in the center of the moat and fill it with water. Ants won’t be able to reach the food. These moats are available in pet stores and online.
- Change Food Bowls
Sometimes, the design of your cat’s food bowl can either attract or deter ants. Opt for a bowl with a smooth, straight-sided surface rather than a bowl with lots of nooks and crannies where food particles can get stuck. A well-designed food bowl can make it harder for ants to find their way in.
- Keep Food Fresh
Ants are more likely to invade stale or old food. To keep your cat’s food fresh and appetizing for your feline friend (and unappetizing for ants), use airtight containers to store dry cat food. Check the expiration dates and try to use up the food within a reasonable timeframe.
- Regularly Check for Leaks and Cracks
Ants are persistent creatures, and they can enter your home through the tiniest of openings. Regularly check windows, doors, and walls for any cracks or gaps that might be allowing ants inside. Use sealants to patch up these openings and reduce the chances of ants finding their way to your cat’s food.
- Natural Repellents: Mint and Bay Leaves
Ants are not fans of mint or bay leaves. You can use dried mint or bay leaves around your cat’s food area to deter ants. This method is not only effective but also adds a pleasant scent to your home.
- Pest Control Services
If your ant problem is persistent and seems unmanageable, it might be time to consider professional pest control services. Pest control experts can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions to eliminate the ant infestation. They’ll also offer guidance on keeping ants out in the future.
- Cat Food Rotation
Consider rotating your cat’s food. Sometimes, ants get attracted to the same food for an extended period. Changing your cat’s food brand or flavor might reduce the chances of ants returning to the same food source.
Conclusion
Ants in your cat’s food are not just a nuisance but also a potential health hazard. Implementing these simple strategies, such as elevating the food dish, keeping the feeding area clean, and using ant deterrents, will help keep those pesky intruders at bay. Remember, small changes in your cat’s feeding routine can make a big difference in keeping the ants out. Your cat will thank you, and you won’t have to worry about those unwanted dinner guests.
