Pet safety
Is Caltha palustristoxic to cats & dogs?
Caltha palustris
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Caltha palustris
Is caltha palustris safe for cats and dogs?
No — caltha palustris is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Marsh marigold belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and contains protoanemonin, the family's irritant toxic principle. While Caltha palustris is not individually named on ASPCA's list, the protoanemonin in Ranunculaceae causes drooling, oral and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Treat as toxic and keep pets from chewing it; contact a vet if ingestion occurs.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats caltha palustris?
Marsh marigold belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and contains protoanemonin, the family's irritant toxic principle. While Caltha palustris is not individually named on ASPCA's list, the protoanemonin in Ranunculaceae causes drooling, oral and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Treat as toxic and keep pets from chewing it; contact a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 caltha palustris, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate caltha palustris
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move caltha palustris 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 caltha palustris 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 caltha palustris
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Caltha palustris and pets — frequently asked questions
Is caltha palustris toxic to cats?
Caltha palustris (Caltha palustris) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Marsh marigold belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and contains protoanemonin, the family's irritant toxic principle. While Caltha palustris is not individually named on ASPCA's list, the protoanemonin in Ranunculaceae causes drooling, oral and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Treat as toxic and keep pets from chewing it; contact a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 caltha palustris toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Caltha palustris (Caltha palustris) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like caltha palustris is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats caltha palustris?
Marsh marigold belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and contains protoanemonin, the family's irritant toxic principle. While Caltha palustris is not individually named on ASPCA's list, the protoanemonin in Ranunculaceae causes drooling, oral and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Treat as toxic and keep pets from chewing it; contact a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 caltha palustris, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate caltha palustris?
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 caltha palustris to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to caltha palustris?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 caltha palustris care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete caltha palustris care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.