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Pet safety

Is Black Redcurrant toxic to cats?

Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black redcurrant 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate black redcurrant

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move black redcurrant out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of black redcurrant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten black redcurrant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is black redcurrant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black redcurrant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black redcurrant 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. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat 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 — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to black redcurrant.

What should I do if my cat ate black redcurrant?

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.

Is black redcurrant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to black redcurrant?

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.

Full black redcurrant pet-safety