Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Aloe?
No, aloe is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Here is what part of the plant is the problem, what signs to watch for, and what to do.
No, cats should not eat aloe. The ASPCA lists the aloe plant as toxic to cats. It can make a cat throw up, have diarrhea, and act tired. These signs are usually mild to moderate, but you should still call your vet if your cat ate some.
Why is aloe bad for cats?
The ASPCA says aloe contains saponins and anthraquinones. Both can upset the stomach and gut.
The Merck Veterinary Manual gives more detail about one kind of aloe, Aloe barbadensis (also called Barbados or Curaçao aloe). It says the harmful compounds sit in the latex, a yellow liquid in the leaves. Younger leaves have more of it. Merck says these compounds can cause sudden, severe diarrhea. They can also cause low blood sugar, and sometimes vomiting.
Pet Poison Helpline agrees that aloe causes vomiting and diarrhea. It says the anthraquinone compounds act like laxatives. Its page is written for pets in general, not only cats.
Merck says plants like aloe usually cause only mild to moderate stomach upset. It also says aloe is one of the plants most often reported to Pet Poison Helpline. So many pets get into it.
What about aloe vera gel?
The ASPCA says the gel inside the aloe leaf “is considered edible.” But its page does not say whether that applies to cats. The same page lists the plant as toxic to cats.
The latex and the gel are in the same leaf. A cat that chews a leaf may get both. Our sources don’t say how much gel or latex it takes to make a cat sick. So don’t give your cat aloe gel, juice or supplements on your own. If you want to use an aloe product on your cat’s skin, ask your vet first.
What signs should I watch for?
The ASPCA lists these signs in cats:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness (lethargy)
Merck says plants like aloe can also make animals eat less than usual. It says aloe can cause low blood sugar too.
The sources we read don’t say how soon signs start. Watch your cat closely after any chewing.
What should I do if my cat ate aloe?
- Take the plant away and gently wipe any plant bits from your cat’s mouth and fur.
- Call your vet or a poison hotline. Tell them how big your cat is, what part your cat ate, and about how much.
- Don’t try home fixes. Don’t make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Follow the vet’s advice. For aloe, Merck says treatment is care for the signs, mainly controlling diarrhea and the loss of body fluid. Most animals with this kind of plant upset get better in a couple of days.
If your cat has strong vomiting, diarrhea that won’t stop, or seems weak, go to a vet right away.
Can cats eat other kinds of aloe plants?
The ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats. Merck lists aloe plants in general (Aloe species) among plants that irritate the stomach. If your plant is any kind of aloe, treat it the same way. Keep it away from your cat.
How can I keep my cat away from aloe?
- Put aloe plants in a room your cat can’t enter, or on a shelf your cat can’t reach.
- A high shelf may not be enough, since cats climb. A closed room is safer.
- Check any plant by name before you bring it home. Some, like true lilies, are far more dangerous to cats than aloe. For more on this, see our list of foods that are toxic to cats.
If you aren’t sure what plant your cat ate, take a photo or a piece of the plant to the vet.
Common questions
Is aloe vera gel safe for cats?
The ASPCA says the gel inside the leaf is considered edible, but it does not say this applies to cats. The ASPCA still lists the plant as toxic to cats, so ask your vet before using any aloe product on or near your cat.
Can cats eat aloe plants?
No. The ASPCA lists the aloe plant as toxic to cats. It says cats can have vomiting, tiredness and diarrhea after eating it.
Which part of the aloe plant is the problem?
The Merck Veterinary Manual says the harmful compounds are in the latex, a yellow liquid in the leaves. Younger leaves have more of it. Pet Poison Helpline does not say which part is the problem, so treat the whole plant as off limits.
Is aloe fatal to cats?
The sources we read do not report deaths from aloe. Merck says plants like aloe usually cause only mild to moderate stomach upset. But the signs can still be serious, so call your vet if your cat ate any.