Have you ever had your cat pester you for food because the dog keeps eating the cat food as soon as you're finished giving it to your cat? Here are some ways to keep your dog(s) away from the cat's food.

Show Ads

[edit] Steps

Catch your dog eating your cat's food and yell the basic command "bad." Another idea to use in conjunction would be to keep a spray bottle readily available. A good squirt or two should be sufficient enough to stop any dog in it's tracks. Be sure to only use these methods immediately as the dog is stealing food. Waiting too long to verbally humiliate your dog will only confuse him more, as he has probably already forgotten the crime he has committed.
If you can, move the cat's food to a place that's easy for a cat to reach but difficult for a dog. Gating off the cat's eating area (i.e. a laundry room or pantry) with a standard baby gate should help to keep your dog out. If your cat can jump high enough, you might want to put the food on a high shelf that the dog can't reach, but the cat can.
Feed both pets at the same times every day, and put away both bowls after you're done. Get the pets on a schedule so they don't seek food at other times. This will eliminate a lot of the annoyance of the situation.
Install an indoor wireless pet fence. When the dog approaches the cat food, it receives a shock warning. Top brand www.pugetsoundpetstop.com.

[edit] Tips

Try getting a cardboard box big enough for the cat food bowl, with enough room inside for the cat. Cut an opening into the side of the box big enough for the cat to fit through, but where the dog can't reach the bowl. (This may not stop a dog who likes to shred things, but it's worth a try.)
Regardless of how you feed your pets (free feed or on schedule), make sure fresh clean water is available at all times. Your pet can wait several hours between meals, but needs frequent drinks of water throughout the day.

[edit] Warnings

Your cat may get very annoying when it's begging for food, but don't stop feeding it; remember that the dog might still be taking its food, and your cat is not at fault...It's just hungry.
Don't ever abuse it physically in any way. A soft bop on the rump or nose should be used only as a last resort. Striking the dog is rarely necessary. Sometimes a hit or strike can dislocate a small/medium dog's joints. Hitting will only make for a confused, unhappy, and ultimately more disobedient dog.