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Pet safety

Is Himalayan Yew toxic to cats?

Taxus wallichiana

Toxic to cats

Yes — himalayan 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 wallichiana contains taxine alkaloids in all parts except the fleshy red aril — including foliage, bark, and seeds. Ingestion causes potentially fatal cardiac arrest in humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. ASPCA lists all Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The species is additionally at conservation risk — harvesting bark or material from wild trees is illegal in range countries. Never plant where pets or children can access foliage.

What to do if your cat ate himalayan yew

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

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

Is himalayan yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is himalayan yew toxic to cats?

Yes — himalayan 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 wallichiana contains taxine alkaloids in all parts except the fleshy red aril — including foliage, bark, and seeds. Ingestion causes potentially fatal cardiac arrest in humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. ASPCA lists all Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The species is additionally at conservation risk — harvesting bark or material from wild trees is illegal in range countries. Never plant where pets or children can access foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats himalayan yew?

SEVERELY TOXIC. Taxus wallichiana contains taxine alkaloids in all parts except the fleshy red aril — including foliage, bark, and seeds. Ingestion causes potentially fatal cardiac arrest in humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. ASPCA lists all Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The species is additionally at conservation risk — harvesting bark or material from wild trees is illegal in range countries. Never plant where pets or children can access foliage. 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 himalayan yew.

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

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

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