Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate short-leaved aloe — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Short-Leaved Aloe is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Short-Leaved Aloe — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take short-leaved aloe away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate short-leaved aloe — FAQ

Is short-leaved aloe poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Short-Leaved Aloe (Aloe brevifolia) as toxic to cats. Aloe is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. Toxic principles are saponins and anthraquinones; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, and occasionally red-tinged urine. Keep out of reach of pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate short-leaved aloe?

Short-Leaved Aloe is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Aloe is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. Toxic principles are saponins and anthraquinones; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, and occasionally red-tinged urine. Keep out of reach of pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep short-leaved aloe well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related