§ Toxic plants · Taxaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is Japanese yew toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include tremors, trouble breathing, vomiting, seizures, heart failure, diarrhea, slow heartbeat and wobbliness or poor coordination. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Taxaceae plants toxic to pets
Japanese yew belongs to the Taxaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about Japanese yew and pets
Is Japanese yew toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists Japanese yew as toxic to cats.
Is Japanese yew toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists Japanese yew as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats Japanese yew?
Signs include tremors, trouble breathing, vomiting, seizures, heart failure, diarrhea, slow heartbeat and wobbliness or poor coordination. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.