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Is Dwarf Japanese Yew toxic to cats?

Taxus cuspidata 'Nana'

Toxic to cats

Yes — dwarf japanese 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. Taxus cuspidata is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (primarily taxine A and B), found in the needles, bark, and seeds. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, trembling, difficulty breathing, cardiac dysrhythmia, and potentially rapid death. The red fleshy aril is not considered toxic, but the seed inside it is highly dangerous. Treat any suspected ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate dwarf japanese yew

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

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

Is dwarf japanese yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dwarf japanese yew toxic to cats?

Yes — dwarf japanese yew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Taxus cuspidata is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (primarily taxine A and B), found in the needles, bark, and seeds. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, trembling, difficulty breathing, cardiac dysrhythmia, and potentially rapid death. The red fleshy aril is not considered toxic, but the seed inside it is highly dangerous. Treat any suspected ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dwarf japanese yew?

Taxus cuspidata is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (primarily taxine A and B), found in the needles, bark, and seeds. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, trembling, difficulty breathing, cardiac dysrhythmia, and potentially rapid death. The red fleshy aril is not considered toxic, but the seed inside it is highly dangerous. Treat any suspected ingestion as a veterinary emergency. 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 dwarf japanese yew.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to dwarf japanese 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 dwarf japanese yew pet-safety