Is Aloe Vera Toxic to Cats?

Aloe vera

Aloe contains anthraquinones in the yellow latex just under the leaf skin. In cats this causes vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain — the same compounds that make aloe a laxative for people.

People keep aloe for burns and for juice. Neither use extends to cats: a cat that chews a leaf will be sick, and the plant is within reach on most kitchen windowsills.

Which parts are dangerous

• latex under the leaf skin
• leaves

What to watch for in the UK

• A very common kitchen windowsill plant.
• Do not apply aloe gel to a cat's skin or a wound — it will be licked off.
• Aloe drinks and supplements are for people, not cats.
• Offsets (pups) get separated and given away — warn the new owner if they have a cat.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Phone your vet if a leaf was chewed.
2. Offer water and watch for diarrhoea.
3. Take a photo of the plant.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).