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Pet safety

Is Pacific Yew toxic to cats?

Taxus brevifolia

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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate pacific yew

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

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

Is pacific yew toxic to cats? — FAQ

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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pacific yew?

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.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is pacific yew toxic to dogs too?

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.

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