Is Pacific Yew toxic to cats?

Yes — pacific 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. Like all Taxus species, Pacific Yew contains taxine alkaloids throughout its foliage, bark, and seeds that cause potentially fatal cardiac arrest in humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Only the fleshy red aril surrounding the seed is non-toxic, though the seed itself is poisonous. ASPCA lists Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Historically, fatalities have been recorded in horses and cattle that consumed yew trimmings. Do not plant where pets or livestock can graze.

SEVERELY TOXIC. Like all Taxus species, Pacific Yew contains taxine alkaloids throughout its foliage, bark, and seeds that cause potentially fatal cardiac arrest in humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Only the fleshy red aril surrounding the seed is non-toxic, though the seed itself is poisonous. ASPCA lists Taxus species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Historically, fatalities have been recorded in horses and cattle that consumed yew trimmings. Do not plant where pets or livestock can graze. 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 pacific 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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pacific Yew is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pacific 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.