Yew

Yew is the common name for trees in the genus Taxus, and if you have a cat you should keep every kind well away. All parts but the red aril — needles, stems, and seeds — contain the cardiac poison taxine, and even a small amount can cause sudden death.

Which yews are dangerous

The short answer: all of them. American yew, Japanese yew, English yew, and Pacific yew all share the same taxine regardless of species. Whether you meet a yew in a garden, a pot, or landscaping, it is equally deadly to a cat.

How cats get exposed

You'll commonly find it as hedges, bonsai, and holiday decorations, indoors and out. Only the soft red aril is non-toxic, which tempts a cat to bite the berry — and crushing the seed inside releases the poison. Pruning clippings and dropped needles stay toxic even when dried, so don't leave them on the floor.

How symptoms progress

Vomiting, tremors, and lethargy may come first, but taxine's real danger is the heart. The heartbeat slows, arrhythmias develop, and sudden cardiac arrest can follow with no clear warning. Onset can be delayed up to 6–24 hours, so a cat that looks fine is not necessarily safe.

What to do right now

If there's any chance your cat chewed it, don't wait for symptoms — get to a 24-hour emergency vet immediately. Don't induce vomiting at home; note the part and amount eaten and bring a piece of the plant. With taxine poisoning, arriving before the heart stops is what matters.