Is Fortune's Plum Yew toxic to cats?

Yes — fortune's plum yew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cephalotaxus fortunei contains cephalotaxine alkaloids including harringtonine and homoharringtonine throughout all plant parts. These compounds are protein synthesis inhibitors with confirmed cytotoxic activity. Though Cephalotaxus is not individually listed by ASPCA, the alkaloid profile indicates significant toxicity risk to pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from dogs, cats, and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Cephalotaxus fortunei contains cephalotaxine alkaloids including harringtonine and homoharringtonine throughout all plant parts. These compounds are protein synthesis inhibitors with confirmed cytotoxic activity. Though Cephalotaxus is not individually listed by ASPCA, the alkaloid profile indicates significant toxicity risk to pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from dogs, cats, and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 fortune's 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.

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

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.