Aloe Toxicity in Felines

The aloe vera is a popular house plant known to help alleviate the pain of burns and sunburn. While the plant is beneficial to humans, it is toxic to cats. Although cats are carnivores, they often chew and eat house plants.

  1. Identification

    • Some other common names for aloe vera are Chinese aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbadoes aloe, burn aloe, first aid plant, wand of heaven and miracle plant.

    Poison Plant Lists

    • Both the ASPCA and The Cat Fanciers' Association include aloe vera on their lists of household plants that are poisonous to cats.

    Poisonous Part

    • The yellow liquid latex within the aloe vera plant is poisonous to cats when ingested.

    Symptoms

    • Signs of aloe poisoning in cats include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors and change in urine color.

    Treatment

    • If you think your cat suffers from aloe poisoning, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.