Is Aloe Vera Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Symptoms and What to Do

Updated 25 October 2026 · about 4 min read

Yes. The ASPCA lists aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The problem is mostly the yellow latex just under the leaf skin, which contains anthraquinones such as aloin, along with saponins. These act as a strong laxative and irritate the gut, causing vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. If your pet has chewed an aloe leaf, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Why aloe is toxic to pets

An aloe leaf has three layers: the tough green skin, a thin layer of bitter yellow latex just beneath it, and the clear gel in the center. The latex holds most of the anthraquinones, compounds that pull water into the intestines and speed up gut movement. The plant also contains saponins, which irritate the stomach.

When a cat or dog chews a leaf, it gets all three layers at once. That's why a pet that bites a whole aloe leaf can end up with a much stronger reaction than you might expect from a plant often thought of as soothing.

Symptoms of aloe poisoning in cats and dogs

Signs often appear within a few hours:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tummy discomfort or restlessness

Ongoing vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is more serious in kittens, puppies and small or older pets.

What to do if your pet ate aloe

  1. Take away any leaf pieces and check your pet's mouth.
  2. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (open 24/7; a consultation fee may apply). Mention how much leaf was eaten and when.
  3. Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
  4. Keep fresh water available and watch for repeated vomiting, diarrhea or weakness.

Many pets recover within a day or two with supportive care. A vet may give fluids or anti-nausea medicine if your pet is losing a lot of fluid.

Is aloe gel safe to put on a pet's skin?

Pure gel without the latex is less of a concern than the leaf itself, but pets lick their skin and fur, so anything you put on them may end up swallowed. Many store-bought aloe products also contain other ingredients. Ask your vet before using aloe or any human skin product on your pet, and never give aloe juice or supplements to pets by mouth.

How to keep an aloe plant with pets

  • Keep it on a high, sunny windowsill or shelf where pets can't reach. Aloe needs bright light, so this usually works well.
  • Use a heavy pot so it isn't easily knocked over.
  • Pick up any broken leaves straight away. Cut or damaged leaves ooze latex.
  • Store leaves you've harvested for your own use somewhere closed.

Aloe is a succulent and prone to rot if it's watered too often. Our guide to overwatering vs. underwatering explains how to tell the difference.

Pet-safe succulents to grow instead

These succulents are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA:

  • Haworthia: small, spiky and very similar in look to a young aloe.
  • Echeveria: rosette succulents in lots of colors.
  • Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum): trailing, with plump blue-green leaves.
  • Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera): easy to care for and flowers in winter.

Not every succulent is safe. Jade plant and kalanchoe, for example, are listed as toxic, so check each one before bringing it home.

Not sure what succulent it is?

Aloe, haworthia and agave can look alike, especially when small. Planted can identify a plant from a photo, so you can give your vet the right name and check your other succulents for pet safety.

Common questions

Can aloe vera kill a cat or dog?

Deaths are rare. The main risk is dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, which can become serious in small or young pets. Call your vet if symptoms last more than a few hours or your pet seems weak.

Is aloe toxic to cats if they only lick it?

Licking the outside of an intact leaf is unlikely to cause much trouble. Biting into the leaf is what releases the latex. If your cat has chewed the leaf, call your vet or poison control.

Are all aloe species toxic to pets?

Aloe vera is the one most often grown as a houseplant and the one most studied. Other aloe species also contain anthraquinones, so it's safest to treat any aloe as toxic to pets.

Is aloe toxic to humans?

The clear gel is commonly used on skin, but the yellow latex is a strong laxative and can cause cramps and diarrhea if swallowed. Keep aloe leaves away from young children.