are aloe vera plants safe for cats

However, aloe is dangerous for cats. Although cats usually will not die from ingesting aloe, it can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, which may lead to dangerous levels of dehydration if left untreated for too long.

Recovery of True Aloe Poisoning in Cats

Two factors will determine how well your cat heals: the amount of aloe he consumed and the promptness of his veterinary care. If he gets treatment right away, he should recover completely.

In the event that your cat sustains organ damage, his recuperation will be more challenging and require more time. You might need to bring your cat to your veterinarian’s office for follow-up visits. After receiving treatment, provide him with a quiet area to recuperate in.

True aloe poisoning can be expensive to treat. Obtain pet health insurance right now to prevent expensive veterinary care costs. The sooner you insure your pet, the more safeguarding you’ll have against unforeseen medical expenses.

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a) All the sources Ive read talk about cats ingesting or nibbling on aloe vera, so there is likely no danger to them touching or inhaling its odor. As for the safety factor, youd probably have to consult a professional veterinarian. In my own limited experience some cats really like chewing on plants and others rarely or not at all. If your cat starts to show signs of chewing on plants there are methods ASPCA recommends to remove or limit access to the plants or make them unappealing.

b) Somewhat related to the first point, the toxic part of the plant according to this emergency-care vet is the latex surrounding the inner leaf and not the gooey gel part you spread on cuts and bruises. It causes “diarrhea and occasionally vomiting” if ingested and may lead to dehydration and fluid loss in cats. There were a couple sites where aloe vera was claimed to relieve severe constipation in pets, but I would definitely ask a professional veterinarian before attempting to use aloe as a treatment for acute constipation.

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Diagnosis of True Aloe Poisoning in Cats

It’s critical that you take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible after realizing he has aloe poisoning. Your veterinarian will examine your cat thoroughly and obtain a complete medical history while they have them on the exam table.

Cut a sample of the aloe plant from your home and place it in a plastic bag for your veterinarian if you know your cat has eaten from it. To confirm that the aloe is the cause of your cat’s extreme illness, your veterinarian should test the plant.

During the diagnostic procedure, your veterinarian will draw blood for testing and collect a urine sample. She might also get your cat X-rayed to make sure there isn’t any illness or organ damage. Inform your veterinarian if you have given your cat aloe for medicinal purposes, particularly if you discover that the aloe still has latex on it.

FAQ

Can I have an aloe plant with a cat?

Because true aloe contains glycosides, anthracene, and anthraquinones, classified as saponins, your cat should avoid it. The poisonous part of true aloe is the white latex, not the gelatin held within the leaves.

Is aloe vera pet safe?

The leaves contain saponins, glycosides, and other compounds that are mildly toxic for domestic animals. If a large amount of the plant is eaten, your dog may experience vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, and urinary changes. Ingestion of large quantities may cause tremors, although this is rare.

Do cats hate the smell of aloe?

Smell: Citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe, eucalyptus oil and oil of wintergreen are all aversive smells to cats.

Are succulent plants toxic to cats?

One of the struggles of owning pets and plants is creating a space that’s safe for both. Fortunately, most succulents are completely harmless to animals. Additionally, most animals instinctively avoid eating succulents. They just don’t smell or taste very appetizing.