My Cat Chewed My Aloe Plant (or Licked Aloe Gel): What to Do Now

Updated 6 November 2026 · about 4 min read

Don't panic: a cat that chews an aloe leaf or licks a little aloe gel usually has a mild stomach upset, not an emergency. Aloe is toxic to cats, mainly because of the bitter yellow latex just under the leaf skin, which acts as a strong laxative. Take the plant away, check your cat's mouth for leaf pieces, and watch for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy over the next few hours. If your cat ate a lot, is a kitten or elderly, or seems unwell, call your vet or a pet poison hotline.

Right now

  1. Move the plant somewhere your cat can't reach, or out of the house.
  2. Remove any leaf pieces from your cat's mouth and fur.
  3. Offer fresh water.
  4. Don't try to make your cat vomit. Home remedies like salt or hydrogen peroxide can hurt cats.
  5. Note roughly how much was eaten and when, in case you need to call.

Licked aloe gel vs chewed a leaf

  • Licked a bit of clear gel (from a leaf or a skin product): usually the mildest case. The gel has much less of the irritating latex. Watch for drooling or a mild upset tummy.
  • Chewed a leaf: more likely to cause vomiting and diarrhea, because chewing releases the yellow latex.
  • Aloe skin products: check the label. Some contain other ingredients that are more dangerous to cats than the aloe itself.

Symptoms to watch for

Usually within a few hours:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Lethargy or hiding
  • Not wanting to eat

When to call a vet

Call your vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both may charge a consultation fee), if:

  • Your cat ate more than a small nibble
  • Vomiting or diarrhea keeps going or has blood in it
  • Your cat is a kitten, elderly or has other health problems
  • Your cat is very lethargic or stops drinking

Ongoing vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is the real risk.

Stop it happening again

Cats chew plants out of boredom or because they like the texture. Move aloe up high or into a room your cat can't enter, and offer cat grass as a safe alternative. Not sure which of your other plants are risky? Planted identifies a plant from a photo and tells you if it's toxic to pets. See also our list of houseplants toxic to cats.

Common questions

Is aloe vera poisonous to cats?

Yes, mildly. The latex under the leaf skin causes vomiting and diarrhea. It's rarely life-threatening, but call a vet if symptoms are severe or don't settle.

My cat licked aloe vera gel. Will it be okay?

Usually yes. A small lick of the clear gel typically causes no more than mild drooling or tummy upset. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea.

How long after eating aloe will a cat get sick?

Symptoms usually appear within a few hours.