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If your cat ate canadian yew — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Canadian Yew is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Canadian Yew — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take canadian yew away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate canadian yew — FAQ

Is canadian yew poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Canadian Yew (Taxus canadensis) as toxic to cats. SEVERELY TOXIC. All parts of Taxus canadensis except the red aril flesh are poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The seeds within the aril, foliage, and bark contain taxine alkaloids (taxine A and B) that cause acute cardiac arrhythmia, potentially fatal within hours of ingestion. ASPCA lists Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Even small amounts of yew foliage can be lethal to horses and dogs. Do not plant where pets or children can access.

How serious is it if my cat ate canadian yew?

Canadian Yew is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. SEVERELY TOXIC. All parts of Taxus canadensis except the red aril flesh are poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The seeds within the aril, foliage, and bark contain taxine alkaloids (taxine A and B) that cause acute cardiac arrhythmia, potentially fatal within hours of ingestion. ASPCA lists Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Even small amounts of yew foliage can be lethal to horses and dogs. Do not plant where pets or children can access. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep canadian yew well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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