§ Toxic plants · Ranunculaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is buttercups toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, drooling, mouth sores, wobbliness or poor coordination, lying down and unable to get up, paralysis and belly pain. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Ranunculaceae plants toxic to pets
Buttercups belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about buttercups and pets
Is buttercups toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists buttercups as toxic to cats.
Is buttercups toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists buttercups as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats buttercups?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, drooling, mouth sores, wobbliness or poor coordination, lying down and unable to get up, paralysis and belly pain. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.