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Is Ranunculus aquatilis toxic to cats?

Ranunculus aquatilis

Toxic to cats

Yes — ranunculus aquatilis 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, an irritant released when the plant is chewed or crushed; signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, depression, anorexia and an unsteady gait. Keep pets and grazing animals away from this water buttercup.

What to do if your cat ate ranunculus aquatilis

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

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

Is ranunculus aquatilis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ranunculus aquatilis toxic to cats?

Yes — ranunculus aquatilis 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, an irritant released when the plant is chewed or crushed; signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, depression, anorexia and an unsteady gait. Keep pets and grazing animals away from this water buttercup.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ranunculus aquatilis?

The ASPCA lists Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is protoanemonin, an irritant released when the plant is chewed or crushed; signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, depression, anorexia and an unsteady gait. Keep pets and grazing animals away from this water buttercup. 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 ranunculus aquatilis.

What should I do if my cat ate ranunculus aquatilis?

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 ranunculus aquatilis toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to ranunculus aquatilis?

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 ranunculus aquatilis pet-safety