Is Mamoncillo toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mamoncillo as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Melicoccus bijugatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note that the large hard seeds are a serious choking and obstruction hazard and the unripe fruit is astringent, so keep whole fruit, seeds and foliage away from pets even though ripe pulp is eaten by people.

Melicoccus bijugatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note that the large hard seeds are a serious choking and obstruction hazard and the unripe fruit is astringent, so keep whole fruit, seeds and foliage away from pets even though ripe pulp is eaten by people. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to mamoncillo.

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mamoncillo is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mamoncillo pet-safety guide for both species.

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.