What should I do if my cat ate Yew?

Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and surroundings and bring a sample (or a clear photo of the shrub and berries) for identification. Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give activated charcoal without veterinary direction — call ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and follow their instructions while you transport your cat. Call immediately. Any suspected yew ingestion in a cat is a drive-to-the-ER emergency. Phone ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) en route — do not wait to see whether symptoms develop.

What should I do if my dog ate Yew?

Bring any chewed plant material, needles, or seeds (or a clear photo of the shrub) to the clinic for identification. Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give anything by mouth — call ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and follow their instructions while you transport your dog. Call immediately. Any suspected yew ingestion is a drive-to-the-ER emergency. Phone ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on the way and bring a sample of the plant.

Yew — ArthurMcGill — Photo by ArthurMcGillWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Pet safety reference

Yew

Q: Is Yew safe for cats?

Yew is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion is considered a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Q: Is Yew safe for dogs?

Yew is potentially toxic to dogs. This plant is highly toxic and can be fatal even in small amounts. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has consumed any part of the plant.

Taxus spp.

Yew is a genus of evergreen conifers known for their high toxicity due to the presence of taxine alkaloids. All parts of the plant, including needles and seeds, are considered dangerous if ingested.

Check a list

English YewJapanese YewTaxus baccataTaxus spp.

Light: Partial shade to full sun
Habit: Evergreen shrub or tree
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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 failure.

Escalation note

Ingestion is considered a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Drooling, vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors, collapse, and sudden cardiac arrest.

Escalation note

This plant is highly toxic and can be fatal even in small amounts. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has consumed any part of the plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescens

Areca palm is a pet-safer evergreen alternative — yew is dangerously toxic to pets.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Lady palm offers the same fine-textured evergreen presence and is pet-safe.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Yew contains taxine, which is a cardiotoxic alkaloid that can cause sudden death in animals.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Taxus species are highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Yew dogs safety page My dog ate Yew

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Share the alias "taxus baccata".

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 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 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.