Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis or Aloe spp.
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
The clear gel is mild. The yellow latex just under the leaf skin carries aloin and other anthraquinones that irritate the gut and, in larger bites, act body-wide.
Symptoms reported in cats
Most serious first.
- 1 Diarrhea Abrupt. · The stool may appear red-tinged; this is often due to the plant's pigments passing through the system rather than actual blood, though it can look alarming. This symptom is driven by increased mucus and water secretion in the colon caused by glycosides.
- 2 Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) While less common than GI signs, a drop in blood sugar has been documented in cases of Aloe barbadensis ingestion.
- 3 Vomiting This is caused by saponins and anthraquinone glycosides found in the plant's latex (yellow sap), which act as purgatives and irritants to the digestive tract.
- 4 Lethargy (Depression) Following the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. · This is a generalized systemic reaction to the toxins and the physical toll of gastrointestinal distress.
- 5 Anorexia (Loss of appetite) Variable. · Cats may refuse food due to the nausea and abdominal discomfort associated with the plant's purgative effects.
Important notes
Aloe Vera is a common succulent houseplant valued for its medicinal gel, but the plant itself is toxic to cats. The clear inner gel is much less toxic, but chewing the whole leaf exposes cats to the yellow latex layer just beneath the outer skin. The primary toxic agents are anthraquinones, particularly aloin and barbaloin, which are concentrated in this yellow latex layer, along with saponins throughout the leaf. Cats have a limited ability to metabolize these compounds, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and, in larger exposures, cause systemic effects.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea (often yellow or reddish-tinged), lethargy, loss of appetite, and low blood sugar; tremors and dark urine in more serious cases.
- Gel vs. latex: The clear inner gel contains very little aloin and is far less toxic than the yellow latex layer. However, whole-leaf products or plants chewed directly expose cats to both, making ingestion of the whole plant dangerous.
- Action: Keep aloe plants out of reach. Contact a vet if your cat has chewed on a leaf, especially if diarrhea or lethargy develops.
This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity varies with the substance, amount, plant part and the individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.