{"id":600649,"date":"2024-05-10T11:12:26","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T15:12:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=600649"},"modified":"2024-06-25T11:34:14","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T15:34:14","slug":"why-is-my-cat-throwing-up-pink-liquid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/why-is-my-cat-throwing-up-pink-liquid\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Pink Liquid? Our Vet Explains 10 Reasons"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nReasons Your Cat Is Throwing Up Pink Liquid<\/a>
\nWhen to See a Vet<\/a>
\nDiagnostics<\/a>
\nTreatment<\/a>
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It\u2019s a noise that can\u2019t be unheard. It will wake you up in the middle of the night and rattle your bones. Your cat is retching, and the noise is undeniable. As you race to comfort your cat and protect your carpet, you notice that the vomit is pink in color. What could have caused that? Does your cat need to be immediately seen by an emergency vet?<\/p>\n

Occasionally, food dye or the food itself could lead to the pink coloration of vomit. However, more than likely, your cat\u2019s vomit is pink in color due to the presence of blood somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The reasons blood may be seen in vomit are abundant, as pink vomit is more of a clinical sign of illness.<\/p>\n

Continue reading below as we discuss some of the most common reasons pink coloration may be present in the vomit of cats.<\/p>\n

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The 10 Reasons Your Cat Is Throwing Up Pink Liquid<\/h2>\n

1. Food Coloration<\/h3>\n

Although most causes of pink-colored vomit are correlated to the presence of blood, there is an exception. Some foods colored with dye may cause vomit to appear pink. As food enters the stomach and mixes with stomach acid, the food begins breaking down. If vomiting occurs during this time, it is possible that the contents may have a pink hue present.<\/p>\n

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2. Swallowing of Blood<\/h3>\n

As mentioned previously, the ingestion of blood is the most common reason pink coloration is seen in vomit. This can occur due to swallowing blood that has come from the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and respiratory tract. Ingested blood will appear bright pink or red compared to that of digested blood occurring lower in the gastrointestinal tract, which is often described as appearing like coffee grounds.<\/p>\n

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3. Esophageal Trauma<\/h3>\n

Irritation of the esophagus can result in inflammation and blood. When this enters the stomach, blood can change the coloration of the gastric fluids. Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, is a common sequel to repetitive vomiting and can be seen with acid reflux. Additionally, foreign bodies lodged in the esophagus can behave similarly, leading to esophagitis.<\/p>\n

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4. Gastric Bleeding<\/h3>\n

Although stomach ulcers are more common in dogs, they can occasionally be seen in cats. Ulcerations are often very painful. Animals with stomach ulcers experience gastric bleeds. If a patient with an ulcer vomits, it is very likely blood will be seen. Ulcerations can be treated with gastroprotectants like sucralfate but can also improve with the use of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor.<\/p>\n

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5. Bleeding Disorders<\/h3>\n

Although relatively uncommon, some animals may battle bleeding disorders. These can occur from secondary poisonings, immune-mediated diseases, and genetic abnormalities. Unfortunately, these can be challenging to treat and may be life-threatening.<\/p>\n

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6. Foreign Bodies<\/h3>\n

Inappropriate foreign bodies, like sewing needles, plastic, bones, and more, can become lodged in the oral cavity or throughout the digestive tract. Blood that occurs secondary to foreign body trauma may lead to pink vomit.<\/p>\n

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7. Cancer and Tumors<\/h3>\n

Cancer or tumors anywhere along the upper digestive tract, including the oral cavity, could bleed or cause irritation to normal tissue. Once this blood is ingested, fluids within the stomach mix resulting in a pink coloration that can be seen in vomit.<\/p>\n

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8. Infections<\/h3>\n

Some types of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can lead to vomiting. This is often the result of damage to the tissue lining the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

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9. Shock<\/h3>\n

If your feline companion is severely ill and experiencing signs of shock, the digestive tract can suffer as a result of low blood pressure. When this happens, the lining of the digestive tract is affected and damaged. Vomiting may ensue and patients may require intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.<\/p>\n

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10. Chronic Vomiting<\/h3>\n

Disease processes causing recurrent vomiting, like kidney disease<\/a> or liver disease, can be the underlying cause of pink vomitus. As previously mentioned, stomach acids can be irritating to the esophagus leading to inflammation and blood present in the vomit.<\/p>\n

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Signs That Your Pet May Need to See the Vet<\/h2>\n
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