What are the symptoms of Yew poisoning in cats?

weakness, difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures

Yew

Q: Is Yew toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Dangerous — taxine alkaloids can stop the heart. Taxus (yew) hedges drop needles and berries. The seeds inside the fleshy aril are especially dangerous, but the foliage is toxic too. Collapse can be sudden. This is not a “wait and see” plant. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Lily also safe for cats?

Dangerous: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS — the #1 plant poison for cats. Even pollen is lethal.

Dangerous

Verdict

Dangerous — taxine alkaloids can stop the heart.

Toxic principle: taxine alkaloids

Also called: taxus, english yew

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Taxus (yew) hedges drop needles and berries. The seeds inside the fleshy aril are especially dangerous, but the foliage is toxic too. Collapse can be sudden. This is not a “wait and see” plant.