Is Cats Safe?

Is Medicine Plant Safe for Cats?

Toxic for cats

No — Medicine Plant is toxic to cats.

Medicine Plant
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Medicine Plant (family Aloaceae) is toxic to cats according to ASPCA Animal Poison Control, due to anthraquinones and anthracene glycosides (aloin). Exposure can cause vomiting and a change in urine color (red). If your cat has contacted this plant, treat it as a concern and contact your vet promptly.

FamilyAloaceae
CategoryPlants
Toxic principleAnthraquinones, anthracene glycosides (aloin)
Also known asAloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe

Signs to watch for in cats

If your cat may have been exposed to Medicine Plant:

  1. Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
  2. Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
  3. Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.

Other Aloaceae plants

Plants in the same family (Aloaceae) are easily confused with Medicine Plant — check each one:

Cat-safe alternatives

Browse all Plants for cats · or check another item.

Frequently asked questions

Is Medicine Plant toxic to cats?

Yes. Medicine Plant is reported toxic to cats by ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Keep it away from your cat.

What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Medicine Plant?

Reported signs include: Vomiting, Change in urine color (red).

What makes Medicine Plant toxic to cats?

The harmful component reported for Medicine Plant is Anthraquinones, anthracene glycosides (aloin). Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.

How much Medicine Plant is dangerous to cats?

There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.

What should I do if my cat ate Medicine Plant?

Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).