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Is Canadian Yew toxic to cats?

Taxus canadensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — canadian yew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate canadian yew

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move canadian yew out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of canadian yew to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten canadian yew, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is canadian yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is canadian yew toxic to cats?

Yes — canadian yew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats canadian yew?

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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to canadian yew.

What should I do if my cat ate canadian yew?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is canadian yew toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Canadian Yew is toxic to dogs as well. See the full canadian yew pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to canadian yew?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full canadian yew pet-safety