Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Buddhist Pine - what should I do?
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential loss of appetite.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Remove any remaining plant material from your cat's mouth and surrounding area and call a vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) before giving food, water, or anything else by mouth. Do not confuse Buddhist Pine with the much more dangerous Japanese yew (Taxus) - both ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag this distinction explicitly.
What to watch for
Severe vomiting and diarrhea are the only clinical signs documented by ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline. Watch for repeated bouts that risk dehydration in a cat - sunken eyes, tacky gums, lethargy.
Time window
ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline do not publish onset or recovery windows for Buddhist Pine; treat ingestion as warranting same-day veterinary attention.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) the same day your cat chews Buddhist Pine. Go in immediately if vomiting and diarrhea are repeated, the cat refuses water, or you see signs of dehydration.
What this means for your cat
Cats that chew Buddhist Pine (also sold as Yew Pine or Japanese Yew Plum Pine) can develop severe vomiting and diarrhea. The toxic principle is unknown, but ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both classify the plant as toxic to cats and specifically warn about the fruits and leaves.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.