Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Meadow Buttercup safe for cats?
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus acris is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright yellow flowers and presence in meadows. It contains compounds that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Common ButtercupFigwortRanunculus acrisTall Buttercup
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Clumping herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats should not chew meadow buttercup. The bitter sap contains protoanemonin (released from ranunculin when leaves are crushed), which blisters the mouth and irritates the gut. Most cats spit it out after one bite because of the taste — but a determined chewer can still cause real discomfort.
What to watch for
Most common: hypersalivation/drooling, mouth blisters or oral ulcers, and refusal of food. Then: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and a wobbly gait. Flowers carry the highest toxin load, so chewing blooms is worse than chewing leaves.
Time window
Onset is typically within minutes for oral irritation and a few hours for GI signs. Pet Poison Helpline notes signs are usually self-limiting once the cat stops eating the plant; recovery within 24–48 hours is typical with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) any time you see persistent drooling, mouth sores, repeated vomiting, or unsteadiness. A single bitter mouthful that the cat spits out is usually self-limiting, but escalate if signs don't resolve within a few hours.
First aid at home
Remove your cat from the area and take any plant material out of the mouth. Do NOT give home antidotes and do NOT induce vomiting unless your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) tells you to. Confirm your cat is breathing and acting normally, then call the helpline or your vet.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause significant irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs.
Same cat verdict
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