When cats and dogs are members of the same family, meals can be anything but pleasant. Cats are finicky when it comes to food, and they nibble all day and night. Dogs, on the other hand, will eat about anything, and this includes the cat’s meals. Fido ends up gaining weight, and the cat goes without. Use these easy ways to stop a dog from eating a cat’s food, and make sure that everyone is happy and properly fed.
Put the Cat’s Food in an Elevated Location
When the family dog is eating the cat’s food in addition to his own, move the cat’s dish to an elevated location to stop the problem. Dogs that cannot or will not jump up will not be able to reach the bowl, but the kitty will know where to find it. This will stop the dog from eating the cat’s meals in addition to his own. Set the dish on top of a large pet crate, on the washer or dryer, or in some other elevated, pet-proof location. Unlike dogs, cats usually consume many small meals within a twenty-four hour period. Measure the proper amount of food into the cat’s bowl, and allow continual access.
Make a Dining Box to Stop the Dog from Eating the Cat’s Food
If elevating the cat’s food to stop the dog from eating it is not a viable option, make a dog-proof dining box instead. Buy a covered cat litter box, and use it to hold the cat`s food. Do not worry about the cat confusing his food box with his toilet area. Just because it looks like a litter box does not mean the feline will automatically use it for that purpose. Cats are smart creatures, and the smell of food will draw him into this exclusive new eating area. It will stop the dog from dining and dashing – if the opening of the box is too small to gain entry.
If desired, wrap the lid and the box with fabric, and attach a comfy cushion to the top. Glue strips of sisal rope to the corners using a high-temp glue gun. This will give the cat a place to sharpen his claws or at least go through the motions. A dining box provides a safe location for cats to eat and relax, and it can be decorated to match virtually any room color or style.