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Yew
Taxus spp.
Yew (Taxus spp.) is one of the most acutely toxic plants for cats and all mammals. Every part — needles, bark, seeds, and branches — contains taxine alkaloids (taxine A and B), with only the red berry flesh (aril) being relatively non-toxic. Even a small quantity of needles can cause cardiac arrest within minutes to hours.
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.