Pet safety
Is Buffalo Curranttoxic to cats & dogs?
Ribes odoratum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Ribes odoratum
Is buffalo currant safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Buffalo Currant is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Ribes odoratum is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe berries are edible for people, but ASPCA pet-safety is not established, so do not assume it is pet-safe and discourage pets from grazing the foliage or fruit.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats buffalo currant?
Ribes odoratum is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe berries are edible for people, but ASPCA pet-safety is not established, so do not assume it is pet-safe and discourage pets from grazing the foliage or fruit. 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 buffalo currant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate buffalo currant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move buffalo currant 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 buffalo currant 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 buffalo currant
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)
Buffalo Currant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is buffalo currant toxic to cats?
Buffalo Currant (Ribes odoratum) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Ribes odoratum is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe berries are edible for people, but ASPCA pet-safety is not established, so do not assume it is pet-safe and discourage pets from grazing the foliage or fruit. 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 buffalo currant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Buffalo Currant (Ribes odoratum) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like buffalo currant is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats buffalo currant?
Ribes odoratum is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe berries are edible for people, but ASPCA pet-safety is not established, so do not assume it is pet-safe and discourage pets from grazing the foliage or fruit. 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 buffalo currant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate buffalo currant?
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 buffalo currant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to buffalo currant?
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 buffalo currant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete buffalo currant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.