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Is Japanese Plum Yew toxic to cats?

Cephalotaxus harringtonia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese plum yew as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA in its Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe rating cannot be asserted. Importantly, it is NOT a true yew (Taxus) and lacks the lethal taxine alkaloids that make Taxus deadly, but it does contain cephalotaxine-type alkaloids. Treat as potentially harmful if eaten, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate japanese plum yew

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

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

Is japanese plum yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese plum yew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese plum yew as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA in its Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe rating cannot be asserted. Importantly, it is NOT a true yew (Taxus) and lacks the lethal taxine alkaloids that make Taxus deadly, but it does contain cephalotaxine-type alkaloids. Treat as potentially harmful if eaten, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with a vet.

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

Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA in its Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so a pet-safe rating cannot be asserted. Importantly, it is NOT a true yew (Taxus) and lacks the lethal taxine alkaloids that make Taxus deadly, but it does contain cephalotaxine-type alkaloids. Treat as potentially harmful if eaten, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with a vet. 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 japanese plum yew.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese 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.

Is japanese plum yew toxic to dogs too?

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

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