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Pet safety

Is Yew Bonsai toxic to cats?

Taxus cuspidata

Toxic to cats

Yes — yew bonsai 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. The ASPCA lists Yew (Taxus spp.) as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is taxine alkaloids, with signs including muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, and sudden death from acute cardiac failure. All parts except the fleshy red aril are dangerous, so keep clippings and the plant away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate yew bonsai

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

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

Is yew bonsai toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yew bonsai toxic to cats?

Yes — yew bonsai is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Yew (Taxus spp.) as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is taxine alkaloids, with signs including muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, and sudden death from acute cardiac failure. All parts except the fleshy red aril are dangerous, so keep clippings and the plant away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yew bonsai?

The ASPCA lists Yew (Taxus spp.) as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is taxine alkaloids, with signs including muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, and sudden death from acute cardiac failure. All parts except the fleshy red aril are dangerous, so keep clippings and the plant away from pets. 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 yew bonsai.

What should I do if my cat ate yew bonsai?

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 yew bonsai toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to yew bonsai?

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 yew bonsai pet-safety