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Pet safety

Is Fastigiata Yew toxic to cats?

Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — fastigiata 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. ASPCA classifies Taxus (yew), including English yew, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Taxine alkaloids in foliage, bark and seeds can cause muscle tremors, dyspnea, seizures and sudden death from cardiac failure. Only the red aril flesh is safe. As one of the most poisonous garden plants, keep all prunings and seeds away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate fastigiata yew

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

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

Is fastigiata yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fastigiata yew toxic to cats?

Yes — fastigiata yew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA classifies Taxus (yew), including English yew, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Taxine alkaloids in foliage, bark and seeds can cause muscle tremors, dyspnea, seizures and sudden death from cardiac failure. Only the red aril flesh is safe. As one of the most poisonous garden plants, keep all prunings and seeds away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fastigiata yew?

ASPCA classifies Taxus (yew), including English yew, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Taxine alkaloids in foliage, bark and seeds can cause muscle tremors, dyspnea, seizures and sudden death from cardiac failure. Only the red aril flesh is safe. As one of the most poisonous garden plants, keep all prunings and seeds away from pets and livestock. 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 fastigiata yew.

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

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

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