Is Yew Toxic to Cats? Yes, Highly: Emergency Signs

Highly toxic

Yes, yew is highly toxic to cats

Yew is a common hedge and landscaping shrub that contains taxine alkaloids, which stop the heart. Small amounts of needles can be fatal, and death can occur within hours.

If your cat ate or touched yew: go to an emergency vet now or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not wait for symptoms.

Yew and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Highly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Highly toxic
Scientific name	Taxus spp.
Also called	Japanese yew, English yew, Pacific yew
Toxic compound	Taxine alkaloids
Toxic parts	All parts except the red flesh around the seed; seeds and needles are very toxic
Signs usually start	Can be within 30 minutes to a few hours
Plant type	Garden plant

Symptoms of yew poisoning in cats

Sudden death (sometimes the first sign)
Trembling and wobbliness
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Very slow or irregular heartbeat
Seizures

Why yew is toxic to cats

Taxines block calcium and sodium channels in heart muscle, slowing and disrupting the heartbeat. Sudden death can be the first sign.

What to do if your cat ate yew

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately, even if your cat seems normal: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Signs can be delayed while damage is happening.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for sudden death, trembling and wobbliness, difficulty breathing. Do not wait for these signs before getting help.

Treatment and outlook

Go to an emergency vet immediately. Treatment includes decontamination, heart monitoring, and medicines and fluids to support the heart. There is no specific antidote.

How to keep your cat away from yew

Place yew on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise cats that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to yew

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Yew and cats: FAQ

Is yew poisonous to cats?

Yew is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. If your cat ate any part of this plant, treat it as an emergency.

What part of yew is toxic to cats?

All parts except the red flesh around the seed; seeds and needles are very toxic.

Can cats die from eating yew?

Yes. Yew can be fatal to cats, which is why any exposure needs emergency veterinary care.

How long after eating yew will my cat show symptoms?

Can be within 30 minutes to a few hours.

Is yew toxic to dogs too?

Yes, yew is highly toxic to dogs.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Is Yew Toxic to Cats?