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Pet safety

Is Worcesterberry toxic to cats?

Ribes divaricatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists worcesterberry 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 divaricatum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; Ribes (gooseberries and true currants) carry no recognised systemic toxin and the fruit is edible to people, but eating plant material may cause mild stomach upset in cats and dogs. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than asserting it is pet-safe. Note: true Ribes currants are unrelated to toxic dried-grape 'Zante currants'.

What to do if your cat ate worcesterberry

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

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

Is worcesterberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is worcesterberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists worcesterberry 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 divaricatum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; Ribes (gooseberries and true currants) carry no recognised systemic toxin and the fruit is edible to people, but eating plant material may cause mild stomach upset in cats and dogs. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than asserting it is pet-safe. Note: true Ribes currants are unrelated to toxic dried-grape 'Zante currants'.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats worcesterberry?

Ribes divaricatum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; Ribes (gooseberries and true currants) carry no recognised systemic toxin and the fruit is edible to people, but eating plant material may cause mild stomach upset in cats and dogs. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than asserting it is pet-safe. Note: true Ribes currants are unrelated to toxic dried-grape 'Zante currants'. 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 worcesterberry.

What should I do if my cat ate worcesterberry?

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 worcesterberry toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to worcesterberry?

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 worcesterberry pet-safety