✕ Toxic

Yew

Q: Is Yew toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Yew (Taxus spp.) is an extremely poisonous plant that is highly lethal to cats, dogs, livestock, and humans. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the needles, stems, and seeds. The only part that is not poisonous is the soft, red flesh of the berry, but the seed within it is one of the most toxic parts. The plant's primary toxins are called taxine alkaloids. These are potent, fast-acting cardiotoxins that disrupt the function of the heart's sodium and calcium channels. Ingestion causes severe cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), which quickly leads to cardiac arrest and death. Even a very small amount, such as chewing on a few needles, can be fatal. Symptoms of Yew poisoning are sudden and severe, often leading to death with little to no warning. They can include trembling, difficulty breathing, weakness, collapse, and a slowed heart rate. Due to the rapid and deadly nature of the toxins, there is often no time for veterinary treatment to succeed. Any suspected ingestion of a Yew plant is a dire medical emergency. Please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Taxus spp.

Yew (Taxus spp.) is an extremely poisonous plant that is highly lethal to cats, dogs, livestock, and humans. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the needles, stems, and seeds. The only part that is not poisonous is the soft, red flesh of the berry, but the seed within it is one of the most toxic parts. The plant's primary toxins are called taxine alkaloids. These are potent, fast-acting cardiotoxins that disrupt the function of the heart's sodium and calcium channels. Ingestion causes severe cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), which quickly leads to cardiac arrest and death. Even a very small amount, such as chewing on a few needles, can be fatal. Symptoms of Yew poisoning are sudden and severe, often leading to death with little to no warning. They can include trembling, difficulty breathing, weakness, collapse, and a slowed heart rate. Due to the rapid and deadly nature of the toxins, there is often no time for veterinary treatment to succeed. Any suspected ingestion of a Yew plant is a dire medical emergency. Please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: taxine A and taxine B; present in all plant parts except the berry flesh; the brown seed inside the red berry is also toxic

Mechanism: taxines block calcium and sodium channels in the heart, causing profound cardiac depression, arrhythmias, and cardiac standstill

Symptoms: sudden weakness, collapse, trembling, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, heart block; death can occur with little warning

Toxicity is extremely rapid — treatment window is very narrow; even a few needles consumed can be lethal

Any suspected Yew ingestion is an immediate veterinary emergency — do not wait for any symptoms

Potentially Toxic Parts

Stem

Bark

Seed

Entire Plant

Leaf

Fruit

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Cardiac abnormalities (including an initially rapid heartbeat that progresses to abnormally slow heart rate and arrhythmias)

Cardiac · Rapid

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and rapid breathing

Respiratory · Rapid

Sudden weakness, drowsiness, and collapse

Neurological · Rapid

Trembling, nervousness, and ataxia (loss of coordination)

Neurological · Rapid.

Vomiting and upset stomach

Gastrointestinal · Rapid

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.