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Is Aloe vera toxic to cats?

Aloe barbadensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists aloe vera as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel.

What to do if your cat ate aloe vera

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move aloe vera out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of aloe vera to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten aloe vera, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is aloe vera toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is aloe vera toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists aloe vera as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats aloe vera?

ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to aloe vera.

What should I do if my cat ate aloe vera?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is aloe vera toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aloe vera is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full aloe vera pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to aloe vera?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include haworthia, cooper's haworthia, echeveria — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to aloe vera.

Full aloe vera pet-safety