Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Japanese Yew
Taxus sp.
Japanese Yew is an evergreen shrub or tree containing taxine alkaloids that are highly poisonous to most animals. All parts of the plant, including the needles and seeds, are considered toxic if ingested.
Japanese YewTaxusTaxus sp.Yew
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Evergreen shrub or tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
Ingestion is considered a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, muscle tremors, seizures, and sudden collapse due to cardiac failure.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely dangerous to dogs. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as the toxins can cause rapid onset of severe systemic distress.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Japanese Yew contains taxine alkaloids which are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxus is a genus of coniferous trees in the family Taxaceae.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Taxus genus.
Pacific Yew
Taxus brevifolia
The Pacific Yew is an evergreen conifer containing taxine alkaloids that are highly poisonous to most animals. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the needles and seeds, can lead to severe systemic distress.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Taxus genus.
English Yew
Taxus baccata
English Yew is a highly toxic evergreen conifer containing taxine alkaloids that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the needles and seeds, is considered a medical emergency.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Bristly Greenbrier
Smilax hispida
Bristly Greenbrier is a woody, climbing vine native to North America, often found in thickets and woodlands. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hemlock Tree
Tsuga species
Hemlock trees are coniferous evergreens often used in landscaping. While they are not considered toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort due to the fibrous nature of the needles.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Jackson Brier
Smilax lanceolata
Jackson Brier is a woody, climbing vine known for its lance-shaped leaves and resilience. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Red Berried Greenbrier
Smilax walteria
Red Berried Greenbrier is a woody, climbing vine native to the southeastern United States, often recognized by its clusters of bright red berries and thorny stems. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.