What should I do if my cat ate Buttercup?

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. 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 should I do if my dog ate Buttercup?

Take any plant remnants out of the mouth and away from the dog. Offer fresh water but do not induce vomiting and do not give human pain or stomach medications. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline before transport so they can stage care — a vet may want to start activated charcoal or IV fluids on arrival, depending on how much was eaten. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for any persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, visible oral ulcers, or refusal to eat. Call immediately for small or young dogs, for any neurological signs (weakness, unsteadiness), or if the dog ate a large amount of plant material — IV fluids and anti-nausea medication may be needed.

Buttercup — (c) Dmitry Kulakov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dmitry Kulakov — Photo by (c) Dmitry Kulakov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dmitry KulakoviNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Dmitry Kulakov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dmitry KulakoviNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Buttercup

Q: Is Buttercup safe for cats?

Buttercup is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Q: Is Buttercup safe for dogs?

Buttercup is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains irritant sap that can cause discomfort upon contact or ingestion. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of distress after exposure.

Ranunculus spp.

Buttercups are flowering plants known for their bright, cup-shaped blooms, but they contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested. They are generally considered toxic to household pets due to the presence of protoanemonin.

Check a list

ButtercupCrowfootRanunculusRanunculus spp.

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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, 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.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and potential mouth sores.

Escalation note

The plant contains irritant sap that can cause discomfort upon contact or ingestion. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of distress after exposure.

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

Open source

Buttercup is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal irritation.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Ranunculus species are known to be toxic to livestock and pets due to the compound protoanemonin.

cats safety page My cat ate Buttercup dogs safety page My dog ate Buttercup

Often compared with

Buttercup vs Meadow Buttercup

Same safety verdict

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Same growing conditions

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