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Is Meadow Buttercup toxic to cats?

Ranunculus acris

Toxic to cats

Yes — meadow 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, formed from the glycoside ranunculin when the plant is crushed or chewed. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulceration, depression, anorexia, and wobbly gait. The bitter irritant taste usually limits ingestion, but poisoning can still occur in grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate meadow buttercup

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

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

Is meadow buttercup toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is meadow buttercup toxic to cats?

Yes — meadow 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, formed from the glycoside ranunculin when the plant is crushed or chewed. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulceration, depression, anorexia, and wobbly gait. The bitter irritant taste usually limits ingestion, but poisoning can still occur in grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats meadow buttercup?

The ASPCA lists Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is protoanemonin, formed from the glycoside ranunculin when the plant is crushed or chewed. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulceration, depression, anorexia, and wobbly gait. The bitter irritant taste usually limits ingestion, but poisoning can still occur in grazing animals. 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 meadow buttercup.

What should I do if my cat ate meadow 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 meadow buttercup toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to meadow 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 meadow buttercup pet-safety