Pet safety
Is Black Redcurranttoxic to cats & dogs?
Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond'
Is black redcurrant safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — black redcurrant is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is not individually listed in the ASPCA non-toxic or toxic plant database, so its status is treated as uncertain; handle with caution and verify with a vet. Note the wider grape/raisin (including dried 'Zante currant') concern is a separate, unrelated plant; true Ribes berries are generally considered low risk, but pet-safety is not ASPCA-confirmed.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats black redcurrant?
Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is not individually listed in the ASPCA non-toxic or toxic plant database, so its status is treated as uncertain; handle with caution and verify with a vet. Note the wider grape/raisin (including dried 'Zante currant') concern is a separate, unrelated plant; true Ribes berries are generally considered low risk, but pet-safety is not ASPCA-confirmed. 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 black redcurrant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate black redcurrant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move black redcurrant 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 black redcurrant 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 black redcurrant
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)
Black Redcurrant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is black redcurrant toxic to cats?
Black Redcurrant (Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is not individually listed in the ASPCA non-toxic or toxic plant database, so its status is treated as uncertain; handle with caution and verify with a vet. Note the wider grape/raisin (including dried 'Zante currant') concern is a separate, unrelated plant; true Ribes berries are generally considered low risk, but pet-safety is not ASPCA-confirmed. 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 black redcurrant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Black Redcurrant (Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like black redcurrant is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats black redcurrant?
Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is not individually listed in the ASPCA non-toxic or toxic plant database, so its status is treated as uncertain; handle with caution and verify with a vet. Note the wider grape/raisin (including dried 'Zante currant') concern is a separate, unrelated plant; true Ribes berries are generally considered low risk, but pet-safety is not ASPCA-confirmed. 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 black redcurrant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate black redcurrant?
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 black redcurrant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to black redcurrant?
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 black redcurrant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete black redcurrant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.