Pet safety
Is So Jujubetoxic to cats & dogs?
Ziziphus jujuba 'So'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Ziziphus jujuba 'So'
Is so jujube safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags so jujube as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Ziziphus jujuba is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe flesh is edible, but the seeds/pits contain cyanogenic compounds and the wood bears spines; treat with caution, keep pets from chewing fallen pits or foliage, and verify with a vet if seeds are ingested.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats so jujube?
Ziziphus jujuba is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe flesh is edible, but the seeds/pits contain cyanogenic compounds and the wood bears spines; treat with caution, keep pets from chewing fallen pits or foliage, and verify with a vet if seeds are ingested. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to so jujube, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate so jujube
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move so jujube out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of so jujube to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to so jujube
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
So Jujube and pets — frequently asked questions
Is so jujube toxic to cats?
So Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba 'So') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Ziziphus jujuba is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe flesh is edible, but the seeds/pits contain cyanogenic compounds and the wood bears spines; treat with caution, keep pets from chewing fallen pits or foliage, and verify with a vet if seeds are ingested. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is so jujube toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, So Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba 'So') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like so jujube is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats so jujube?
Ziziphus jujuba is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ripe flesh is edible, but the seeds/pits contain cyanogenic compounds and the wood bears spines; treat with caution, keep pets from chewing fallen pits or foliage, and verify with a vet if seeds are ingested. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to so jujube, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate so jujube?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of so jujube to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to so jujube?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full so jujube care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete so jujube care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.