Aloe Vera

Yes, aloe vera is potentially toxic to cats. The plant contains compounds that cause gastrointestinal irritation, and ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in urine color.

Vomiting is typically the first sign, usually appearing within a few hours of ingestion. This can be followed by diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. After a larger ingestion you may also notice a reddish or brown tint to the urine; muscle tremors are reported but uncommon. Symptoms generally resolve over 24–48 hours with supportive care.

Move your cat away from the plant and pick up any chewed pieces so she can't eat more. Do not try to induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 before giving anything by mouth, and treat any chew of a whole leaf as urgent rather than wait-and-see.

Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if your cat vomits more than once, has diarrhea, becomes withdrawn or lethargic, or you notice any pink or red color in the urine. Don't wait for multiple symptoms to appear — early contact with poison control is always the safer call.

Yes, aloe vera is considered potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains anthraquinone glycosides that cause digestive upset, and ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, with muscle tremors reported in rare cases.

The most common signs are vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with mucus), lethargy, and loss of appetite, typically appearing within a few hours of ingestion. After a larger ingestion, watch for a reddish color change in the urine. Muscle tremors are possible but rare.

Remove the plant and any chewed pieces from your dog immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting at home — this is a common misconception and is not 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 anti-nausea medication if signs develop.

The main concern is the bitter yellow latex layer just beneath the outer leaf skin, which is rich in anthraquinone glycosides — a large chew that includes a lot of this latex warrants a same-day vet visit. GI signs typically resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care, but call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond one or two episodes, or if your dog appears weak or passes reddish urine.