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Is Chinese Yew toxic to cats?

Taxus chinensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — chinese 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. 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.

What to do if your cat ate chinese yew

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

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

Is chinese yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese yew toxic to cats?

Yes — chinese 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. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese yew?

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. 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 chinese yew.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese 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 chinese yew pet-safety