Is Chinaberry Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Bead Tree, Persian Lilac · Melia azedarach
What makes it toxic
Meliatoxins, potent tetranortriterpenoid compounds concentrated in the berries and bark. They cause gastrointestinal inflammation and neurological depression.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and weakness within hours, progressing to tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing and collapse with several berries.
What to do if your cat eats it
Treat berry ingestion as an emergency. Go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately with a sample of the berries, even if your cat looks fine at first.
Common questions
Are the decorative beads inside chinaberry fruit toxic?
Yes. The hard bead-like seeds inside the fruit contain the toxins, and pets occasionally chew them after they fall.
Is chinaberry the same as Persian lilac houseplants?
Chinaberry is sometimes called Persian lilac, which confuses it with the unrelated, pet-safe common lilac. Only Melia azedarach carries the meliatoxins.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.