Ranger’s Button, also known as swamp white heads, is a poisonous plant that can be toxic to cats. This plant contains tremetol, a toxic compound that can cause severe illness in felines. Ranger’s Button is commonly found in marshy areas and wetlands across North America.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of the Ranger’s Button plant, they may experience a range of concerning symptoms. Common signs of Ranger’s Button poisoning in cats include:
In severe cases, ingesting this toxic plant can lead to liver failure and even death if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
If you suspect your cat has eaten Ranger’s Button, it’s critical to bring them to a veterinarian immediately. Your vet will likely perform the following steps to diagnose Ranger’s Button toxicity:
A: Yes, Ranger’s Button is toxic to cats. It contains furanocoumarins, which can cause symptoms like photosensitivity, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal distress when ingested.
A: If a cat eats Ranger’s Button, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and sunburn-like reactions. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to manage these toxic effects.
A: Yes, all parts of the Ranger’s Button plant are toxic to cats. The plant contains harmful compounds throughout, including the leaves and flowers, that can lead to poisoning.
A: Even small amounts of Ranger’s Button can be harmful to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can result in toxic reactions, so it’s essential to keep your cat away from it.
A: Ranger’s Button poisoning can be serious but is rarely fatal with prompt treatment. However, quick veterinary intervention is necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent more severe complications.
A: If your cat ingests Ranger’s Button, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment is key to minimizing the toxic effects and ensuring your cat’s health and recovery.
Ranger’s Button, with the scientific name Lachnanthes caroliniana, is a perennial wetland plant native to the eastern United States. It gets its common name from the button-like white flowers that grow on tall stalks.
Native American tribes in Florida historically used small amounts of the roots for medicinal purposes. However, they knew the plant could be deadly in larger doses.
Today, Ranger’s Button is sometimes planted in water gardens, but it is not commonly cultivated due to its toxicity to animals. The plant spreads via underground rhizomes and thrives in swampy conditions.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
