are ranunculus toxic to cats

Ranunculus, also known as buttercup or Persian buttercup, is toxic to cats. The plant contains a toxin called protoanemonin, which is released when the plant is chewed or crushed. This toxin can cause symptoms in cats such as swelling and blisters in the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, wobbly gait, weakness, tremors, blood in urine, and seizures. Even the pollen can cause irritation if it gets on the cat’s coat and is then ingested during grooming. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours after ingestion. It is important to keep cats away from this plant and seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.