Is Yucca poisonous to dogs and cats?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 2 sources

Based on: Pet Poison Helpline, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Call a vet today

Yucca is poisonous to dogs and cats – call your vet today for advice if your pet has eaten any of it. It contains steroidal saponins.

Dogs Call a vet today
Cats Call a vet today

What to do now

What to do right now

Call your vet today or the nearest emergency vet.
Note which plant, which part, how much and when.
Take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
Remove what is left and move the plant out of reach.

Don't

Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Do not give any human medicine.

Why it can be dangerous

Yucca contains steroidal saponins.^[1]

Signs to watch for

Vomiting
Diarrhea

Scientific name: Yucca
Poisonous parts: roots, leaves

What the experts say

“Problems: Poisonous to Humans, Problem for Cats, Problem for Children, Problem for Dogs, Problem for Horses”
— NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox [2]

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

What signs can Yucca cause in dogs and cats?

Vomiting and diarrhea are listed for dogs and cats.^[1]

Is Yucca dangerous for cats too?

Yes. In cats, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.^[1]

What does Yucca contain?