§ Toxic plants · Meliaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is chinaberry toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, dullness or depression, weakness, seizures, belly pain, trouble breathing, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, collapse and paralysis. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about chinaberry and pets
Is chinaberry toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists chinaberry as toxic to cats.
Is chinaberry toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists chinaberry as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats chinaberry?
Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, dullness or depression, weakness, seizures, belly pain, trouble breathing, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, collapse and paralysis. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.