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Pet safety

Is Buffalo Currant toxic to cats?

Ribes odoratum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists buffalo currant 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. 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.

What to do if your cat ate buffalo currant

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move buffalo currant 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 buffalo currant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is buffalo currant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is buffalo currant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists buffalo currant 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. 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.

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

What should I do if my cat ate buffalo currant?

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 buffalo currant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Buffalo Currant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full buffalo currant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to buffalo currant?

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 buffalo currant pet-safety