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Is Bulbous Buttercup toxic to cats?

Ranunculus bulbosus

Toxic to cats

Yes — bulbous buttercup is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is protoanemonin (derived from ranunculin), released when the plant is damaged. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, depression, and wobbly gait. The fresh corm is particularly irritant; toxicity is reduced significantly on drying.

What to do if your cat ate bulbous buttercup

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

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

Is bulbous buttercup toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bulbous buttercup toxic to cats?

Yes — bulbous buttercup is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is protoanemonin (derived from ranunculin), released when the plant is damaged. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, depression, and wobbly gait. The fresh corm is particularly irritant; toxicity is reduced significantly on drying.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bulbous buttercup?

The ASPCA lists Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is protoanemonin (derived from ranunculin), released when the plant is damaged. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, depression, and wobbly gait. The fresh corm is particularly irritant; toxicity is reduced significantly on drying. 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 bulbous buttercup.

What should I do if my cat ate bulbous buttercup?

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 bulbous buttercup toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bulbous Buttercup is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bulbous buttercup pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bulbous buttercup?

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 bulbous buttercup pet-safety