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How risky is it when my 5 kg cat licks four redcurrants off the Thanksgiving dessert plate before I can swipe it away?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Safe — a few redcurrants aren't toxic to cats. Remove any stems you can find, because the stems are harder on the stomach than the berries. Four berries on a 5 kg cat is well within the fine range. Just watch her for the next few hours; mild vomiting or a loose stool would be unusual but not alarming. If anything seems off, call your own vet.

Redcurrant — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

A few berries are fine. Remove any stems.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Redcurrant is not toxic to cats. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Redcurrant can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Redcurrant food facts page.

Open the full food page: Redcurrant food facts →