Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Buttercup - what should I do?
Ranunculus spp.
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation or blistering.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
If you can do it safely, gently wipe the cat's mouth and remove any plant pieces stuck on the teeth or fur. Don't try to make the cat vomit and don't give over-the-counter medications. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control before bringing the cat in so they can advise on whether to be seen and what to do in the meantime.
What to watch for
Earliest and most common: heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, and visible irritation or small ulcers on the tongue or gums. Often followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. ASPCA also lists depression and a wobbly gait with larger ingestions. Symptoms tend to be uncomfortable but not life-threatening.
Time window
Signs typically appear within about 3 hours of chewing. Most cats recover within 24–48 hours with supportive care once the protoanemonin is rinsed away and oral pain is managed; oral ulcers can take several days to fully heal.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling persists beyond a couple of hours, if you see oral ulcers, or if vomiting and diarrhea don't settle within 24 hours. Call immediately if your cat is refusing to eat or drink, seems unsteady on its feet, or you saw it chew on a large amount.
What this means for your cat
Cats almost always self-limit on Buttercup — chewing releases protoanemonin, a stinging oil that blisters the mouth and tastes terrible, so most cats spit the plant out fast. The risk is real but usually mild: oral pain, drooling, and a bout of vomiting. Severe cases are rare in cats because the plant is so unpleasant to keep eating.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.