Is Yew Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Taxus sp.)
Yew, Taxus sp.: listed as toxic to cats and dogs (taxine a and b, volatile oil). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.
At a glance
- Scientific name: Taxus sp.
- Also called: Japanese Yew, English Yew, Western Yew, Pacific Yew, Anglo-Japanese Yew
- Toxic to cats: Yes
- Toxic to dogs: Yes
- Toxic principle: Taxine A and B, volatile oil
- Signs reported: Tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures (dogs), sudden death from acute heart failure.
Is Yew toxic to cats and dogs?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Yew (Taxus sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Taxine A and B, volatile oil. Signs reported: Tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures (dogs), sudden death from acute heart failure..
How serious it can be
The clinical signs in the original source explicitly list "sudden death from acute heart failure" — the most toxic plant in this table, with the most direct description of fatal risk.
What to do if your pet ate it
If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.
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Confirm it is really this plant
Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.
FAQ
Is Yew safe for cats?
No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include tremors.
Is Yew safe for dogs?
No. It is listed as toxic to dogs.
My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?
Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.
Related
Sources
Updated 2026-09-11.