Can aloe vera be used on cats?

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chas - 30 Nov 2005 16:10 GMT

Just wondered.

I have occassional small patchy exzema and use pure aloe vera gel from my
local health food store to calm it down. I notice a lot of posts here
regarding cats with skin conditions. I just wondered if it would be safe to
use on a cat?

I know aloe vera also has other uses in humans - such as to help with
digestive or bowel problems and can be taken as a capsule or a liquid.
Again, would a cat with such a problem possibly benefit from it?

chas

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PawsForThought - 30 Nov 2005 18:33 GMT

> Just wondered.
>
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>
> chas

Hi Chas,
It's the outer skin part that is toxic to cats I believe. However, the
kind of gel you are buying in the store has a preservative in it,
sodium benzoate that is poisonous to cats. I suppose you could buy an
aloe vera plant and slit a stalk open and scrape out some of the gel to
put on the cat's skin. However, since your cat will try to lick it
off, I would be concerned of him ingesting it. I would definitely
research it out more before trying it.

Lauren

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No More Retail - 30 Nov 2005 19:11 GMT

Whatever you are going to use on their fur they are going to lick off unless
you have an e-collar
I would use Vaseline or call your vet office and let them recommend a OTC
product

>> Just wondered.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> Lauren

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Nic - 30 Nov 2005 20:21 GMT

Vaseline has worked before on cats I know. It's a bit thicker so
doesn't get licked off easily.

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chas - 30 Nov 2005 21:47 GMT

I just wondered - fortunately my cat does not have skin problems and I would
always seek vet advice before giving her anything for anything.

I had been reading about how good aloe vera was for humans and just wondered
if that extended to animals, namely cats.

thanks for the replies.

chas

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