Is River Water Crowfoot toxic to cats?

Yes — river water crowfoot is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Ranunculus fluitans belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and contains protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. ASPCA lists Ranunculus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, and in larger quantities, wobbly gait and depression. Wear gloves when handling — sap can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

Ranunculus fluitans belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and contains protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. ASPCA lists Ranunculus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, and in larger quantities, wobbly gait and depression. Wear gloves when handling — sap can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis. 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 river water crowfoot.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: River Water Crowfoot is toxic to dogs as well. See the full river water crowfoot pet-safety guide for both species.

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.