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Pet safety

Is Upright Plum Yew toxic to cats?

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists upright plum yew as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate upright plum yew

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move upright plum 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 upright plum yew to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is upright plum yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is upright plum yew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists upright plum yew as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats upright plum yew?

Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution. 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 upright plum yew.

What should I do if my cat ate upright plum 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 upright plum yew toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to upright plum 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 upright plum yew pet-safety