Pet safety
Is Hicksii Yew toxic to cats?
Taxus x media 'Hicksii'
Yes — hicksii 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 lists Japanese yew (Taxus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (Taxine A and B) plus a volatile oil, present in all parts except the red flesh of the aril; the seeds and foliage are especially dangerous. Signs include trembling, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dilated pupils, seizures, and sudden death from acute heart failure. Even small amounts can be fatal to pets and livestock; keep clippings well away from animals and seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
What to do if your cat ate hicksii yew
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move hicksii yew out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of hicksii yew to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten hicksii yew, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is hicksii yew toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is hicksii yew toxic to cats?
Yes — hicksii yew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Japanese yew (Taxus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (Taxine A and B) plus a volatile oil, present in all parts except the red flesh of the aril; the seeds and foliage are especially dangerous. Signs include trembling, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dilated pupils, seizures, and sudden death from acute heart failure. Even small amounts can be fatal to pets and livestock; keep clippings well away from animals and seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats hicksii yew?
ASPCA lists Japanese yew (Taxus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are taxine alkaloids (Taxine A and B) plus a volatile oil, present in all parts except the red flesh of the aril; the seeds and foliage are especially dangerous. Signs include trembling, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dilated pupils, seizures, and sudden death from acute heart failure. Even small amounts can be fatal to pets and livestock; keep clippings well away from animals and seek emergency veterinary care 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 hicksii yew.
What should I do if my cat ate hicksii 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is hicksii yew toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hicksii Yew is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hicksii yew pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to hicksii 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.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Full hicksii yew pet-safety
- Is hicksii yew toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is hicksii yew toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate hicksii yew — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete hicksii yew care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.