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If your cat ate hicksii 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Hicksii Yew is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Hicksii Yew — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take hicksii 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate hicksii yew — FAQ

Is hicksii yew poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Hicksii Yew (Taxus x media 'Hicksii') as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Japanese yew (Taxus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (Taxine A and B) plus a volatile oil, present in all parts except the red flesh of the aril; the seeds and foliage are especially dangerous. Signs include trembling, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dilated pupils, seizures, and sudden death from acute heart failure. Even small amounts can be fatal to pets and livestock; keep clippings well away from animals and seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my cat ate hicksii yew?

Hicksii Yew is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. ASPCA lists Japanese yew (Taxus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (Taxine A and B) plus a volatile oil, present in all parts except the red flesh of the aril; the seeds and foliage are especially dangerous. Signs include trembling, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dilated pupils, seizures, and sudden death from acute heart failure. Even small amounts can be fatal to pets and livestock; keep clippings well away from animals and seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

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

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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