Why it is poisonous to cats
Under the skin of an aloe leaf there is a yellow, bitter sap with substances that irritate the stomach and the gut. The clear gel inside the leaf is thought to be less harmful, but a cat chewing a leaf swallows the skin and the sap as well.
After chewing an aloe leaf, a cat may vomit, have diarrhoea, become dull and refuse food. Contact a vet if the vomiting or diarrhoea does not stop, the cat stops eating or becomes dull.
Aloe is a popular houseplant, so keep it where your cat cannot reach it.
What to watch out for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea can follow.
- The cat can become dull and stop eating.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that goes on wears a cat down.
- Plant fertilisers and pest sprays are harmful to a cat too.
Which parts are dangerous
Not every part of the plant is equally dangerous.
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Leaves
Not safeThe yellow sap under the leaf skin irritates the stomach and the gut.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
Safe plants instead
Plants that are safer to keep.