The American Yew (Taxus canadensis), also known as Canada yew, ground hemlock, or American yew, is a extreamly toxic plant to cats. While not typically associated with allergies, all parts of this evergreen shrub, except the fleshy red aril surrounding the seed, contain poisonous taxine alkaloids that can be fatal to cats if ingested. American
Yew is commonly found in the understory of forests, swampy woods, and along streams in central and eastern North America
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of the American Yew plant, it may experience various symptoms due to the toxic taxine alkaloids present in the plant. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount consumed, but common signs of American Yew poisoning in cats include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested American Yew, seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian will likely perform the following steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
For more information on treating yew poisoning in cats, visit Pet Poison Hotline
A: Cats are not allergic to American Yew, but the plant is highly toxic to them. It contains toxic compounds such as taxine A and B, which can cause severe poisoning and even death if ingested.
A: Symptoms of American Yew poisoning in cats include drooling, vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, coma, and sudden death due to acute heart failure.
A: All parts of the American Yew plant are toxic to cats, including the leaves, seeds, and stems. The plant contains taxine alkaloids, which are highly poisonous.
A: If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of an American Yew plant, seek immediate veterinary care. The veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and provide supportive care such as IV fluids and medications to manage symptoms and stabilize heart function.
A: Yes, there are many pet-safe plants that cat owners can keep instead of American Yew. Some options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and catnip. Always research a plant’s safety before bringing it into a home with cats.
A: To prevent your cat from accessing toxic plants, remove such plants from your home and garden entirely. If you must keep them, place them in areas that are completely inaccessible to your cat, such as in a closed room or high shelf. Consider using deterrent sprays or physical barriers to keep your cat away from these plants.
American Yew has a long history of use by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for rheumatism. The plant’s common name, ground hemlock, comes from its low-growing habit and its resemblance to the unrelated hemlock tree. American Yew is an important food source for wildlife, with its fleshy red arils being eaten by many bird species, which then disperse the toxic seeds.
In recent years, American Yew has been harvested as a source of taxanes, a class of chemicals used in the development of anti-cancer drugs like paclitaxel.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
