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Is Short-Leaved Aloe toxic to cats?

Aloe brevifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — short-leaved aloe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate short-leaved aloe

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move short-leaved aloe 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 short-leaved aloe to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is short-leaved aloe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is short-leaved aloe toxic to cats?

Yes — short-leaved aloe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats short-leaved aloe?

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. 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 short-leaved aloe.

What should I do if my cat ate short-leaved aloe?

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 short-leaved aloe toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to short-leaved aloe?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full short-leaved aloe pet-safety