The English Yew ( Taxus baccata) is an evergreen tree commonly found in gardens, parks, and churchyards across Europe. While not an allergen, the English Yew is highly toxic to cats.
All parts of the plant, except the fleshy red aril surrounding the seeds, contain poisonous taxine alkaloids. Even ingesting a small amount of yew needles, bark, or seeds can be fatal for felines.
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 English Yew, symptoms can appear suddenly and progress rapidly. Common signs of yew poisoning include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested English Yew, seek immediate veterinary care. Your vet will likely follow these diagnostic steps:
A: Yes, cats can be allergic to English Yew. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, sneezing, and skin irritation.
A: Yes, English Yew is highly toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause severe symptoms and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
A: Symptoms of English Yew poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, and sudden death. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
A: To prevent contact, ensure that English Yew is not present in your home or garden. Keep your cat indoors or monitor outdoor activities closely to avoid exposure.
A: If your cat ingests English Yew, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
A: Yes, English Yew is commonly found in gardens and as an ornamental plant. It is important to ensure this plant is kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
The English Yew has a long and storied history. Ancient Celtic and Norse cultures revered the tree as a symbol of immortality and death. In medieval times, yew wood was prized for making longbows, and the trees were often planted in churchyards to deter farmers from grazing livestock on sacred grounds.
Today, the English Yew is valued for its dense, evergreen foliage and is commonly used in landscaping and topiary.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
