Cats
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.
cat safety reference
Is Japanese Yew safe for cats?
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
What this means for your cat
Japanese yew is extremely dangerous to cats — every part of the plant, including the bright red berries, contains taxine alkaloids that disrupt cardiac electrical activity. ASPCA lists yew as toxic to all species, with sudden cardiac death the most serious outcome. Cats may show fewer overt early signs than dogs.
What to watch for
Tremors, difficulty breathing, and vomiting are the signs ASPCA lists for all species. The most dangerous progression is sudden collapse from acute heart failure, which can occur with little warning.
Time window
Exact onset and duration are not well documented; sudden death from acute heart failure is possible.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Any suspected ingestion of yew is a medical emergency — contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away.
Sources: ASPCA (no home first-aid guidance).
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.
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
Same cat verdict
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