What should I do if my cat ate Aloe Vera?

Move your cat away from the plant and pick up any chewed pieces so she can't go back for more. Do not induce vomiting at home — Pet Poison Helpline specifically lists owner-induced vomiting as a misconception to avoid. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 before giving anything by mouth. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if your cat vomits more than once, has diarrhea, becomes withdrawn or lethargic, or you notice any pink/red color in the urine. Treat any chew of a whole leaf as urgent rather than wait-and-see.

What should I do if my dog ate Aloe Vera?

Take the plant and any chewed pieces away from your dog. Do not induce vomiting at home — Pet Poison Helpline notes that owner-induced vomiting is a common misconception and isn't appropriate for most exposures. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 before giving anything by mouth; they may recommend home monitoring with fluids, or an anti-nausea medication if signs persist. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond one or two episodes, your dog seems weak or refuses food and water, or you notice any reddish color in the urine. A chew that includes a lot of the bitter yellow latex warrants a same-day vet visit.

Aloe Vera — (c) Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) — Photo by (c) Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA

Photo by (c) Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA

Pet safety reference

Aloe Vera

Q: Is Aloe Vera safe for cats?

Aloe Vera is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal irritation. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Q: Is Aloe Vera safe for dogs?

Aloe Vera is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains anthraquinone glycosides which cause digestive upset. Always consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a popular succulent known for its medicinal gel, but it contains compounds that can cause digestive distress if ingested by pets. It is widely grown as a houseplant for its architectural foliage and low-maintenance care requirements.

Check a list

AloeAloe veraMedicinal AloeTrue Aloe

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Rosette-forming succulent
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in urine color.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal irritation. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors in rare cases.

Escalation note

The plant contains anthraquinone glycosides which cause digestive upset. Always consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Baby Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

Baby rubber plant is a compact, thick-leaved succulent-like houseplant and is not on major toxic lists.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Parlor palm is pet-safe and a broadly tolerant substitute for the succulent role.

Not yet rated for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Aloe vera is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of saponins and anthraquinones.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe, widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.

cats safety page My cat ate Aloe Vera dogs safety page My dog ate Aloe Vera

Often compared with

Aloe Vera vs Barbados Aloe

Same genus

More from the Aloe genus

Cushion Aloe

Aloe retusa

Cushion Aloe is a compact, succulent plant known for its rosette-forming leaves and low-maintenance nature. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

The spider plant is a popular, easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its arching, grass-like foliage and trailing plantlets. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Aregelia

Neoregelia spp.

Neoregelia are popular bromeliads known for their vibrant, colorful foliage and water-holding central cups. They are generally considered safe for households with pets, though their fibrous leaves may cause minor digestive irritation if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Candle Plant

Plectranthus coleoides

The Candle Plant is a popular trailing ornamental known for its variegated, fuzzy foliage and aromatic leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii

The Christmas Cactus is a popular, low-maintenance flowering succulent known for its segmented, arching stems and vibrant holiday blooms. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.