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Plants · Aloe vera

Is Aloe Vera Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Cats

Toxic — usually mild

Vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea (ASPCA).

Dogs

Toxic — usually mild

Vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea (ASPCA).

Yes, aloe vera is toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists saponins and anthraquinones as the toxic compounds, causing vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. The clear inner gel is considered edible; the risk comes from the rest of the plant. Call your vet if your pet chewed the leaves.

Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed

Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.

Aloe Vera: plant facts

Aloe Vera facts
Scientific nameAloe vera
FamilyLiliaceae
Other namesAloe
Toxic partsLeaf (the gel is considered edible per ASPCA)
Toxic principleSaponins, anthraquinones
Where you'll find itindoor, outdoor

Severity scale: “usually mild” means the ASPCA lists only mouth, stomach or skin irritation; “highly toxic” means it lists organ failure, heart effects, seizures or death.

Signs to watch for

Cats

  • vomiting
  • lethargy
  • diarrhea

Dogs

  • vomiting
  • lethargy
  • diarrhea

My pet ate aloe vera. What do I do?

  1. Take any remaining plant away from your pet and note which plant (photo or label) and how much was chewed.
  2. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
  3. Don't make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to.

What it could cost

If your pet needs care after eating aloe vera

We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our poisoning treatment and vet visit guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:

  • Exam or emergency consultation fee
  • Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
  • Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
  • Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
  • Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Would pet insurance cover this? Run the numbers How we verify vet prices

Pet-safe alternatives

Related plants

Plants toxic to catsPlants toxic to dogsPlants safe for cats

Sources

  1. Aloe — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.

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