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If your cat ate chinese 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.

Chinese Yew is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Chinese Yew — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take chinese 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 chinese yew — FAQ

Is chinese yew poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Chinese Yew (Taxus chinensis) as toxic to cats. SEVERELY TOXIC. Taxus chinensis contains taxine alkaloids throughout its foliage, bark, and seeds — identical in toxicological action to all Taxus species. Ingestion causes rapid cardiac arrhythmia that can be fatal to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. ASPCA lists all Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Only the fleshy red aril exterior is not toxic; the seed inside it is poisonous. Do not plant where pets or children have access.

How serious is it if my cat ate chinese yew?

Chinese 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. Taxus chinensis contains taxine alkaloids throughout its foliage, bark, and seeds — identical in toxicological action to all Taxus species. Ingestion causes rapid cardiac arrhythmia that can be fatal to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. ASPCA lists all Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Only the fleshy red aril exterior is not toxic; the seed inside it is poisonous. Do not plant where pets or children have 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 chinese 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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