It is a noise that cannot be ignored. It will wake you up in the middle of the night and shake your bones. Your cat is itching, and the noise is undeniable. As you run to comfort your cat and protect your carpet, you’ll notice that the vinegar is pink. What could have caused this? Does your cat need to see an emergency vet right away?
Occasionally, food coloring or the food itself can lead to the pink color of the vinegar. However, more likely, your cat’s vomit is pink due to the presence of blood somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The reasons why blood may be seen in vomit are plentiful, as pink vomit is more of a clinical sign of illness.
Continue reading below as we discuss some of the most common reasons why cats’ vomit may have a pink color.
10 Reasons Your Cat Is Vomiting Pink Liquid
1. Food Coloring
Although most causes of pink vomit are related to the presence of blood, there is one exception. Certain colored foods can cause vomit to appear pink. As food enters the stomach and mixes with stomach acid, the food begins to break down. If vomiting occurs during this period, its contents may be pink in color.
2. Swallowing Blood
As mentioned before, swallowing blood is the most common reason why pink color is seen in vomit. This can occur due to the ingestion of blood originating from the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and respiratory tract. Injected blood will appear bright pink or red compared to dissolved blood that occurs further down the gastrointestinal tract, which is often described as appearing like coffee beans.
3. Esophageal trauma
Irritation of the esophagus can result in swelling and blood. When it enters the stomach, blood can change the color of gastric fluids. Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, is a common sequela of repeated vomiting and is seen in acid reflux. Additionally, foreign bodies lodged in the esophagus can behave similarly, leading to esophagitis.
4. Stomach bleeding
Although stomach ulcers are more common in dogs, they can occasionally be seen in cats. Ulcers are often very painful. Animals with stomach ulcers experience gastric bleeding. If a patient with an ulcer vomits, it is likely to show blood. Ulcers can be treated with gastroprotectants such as sucralfate but may also improve with the use of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor.
5. Bleeding Disorders
Although relatively uncommon, some animals can fight bleeding disorders. These can occur from secondary poisonings, immune-mediated diseases, and genetic abnormalities. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to treat and can be life-threatening.
6. Foreign Bodies
Inappropriate foreign bodies, such as sewing needles, plastics, bones, and more, can end up in the oral cavity or throughout the digestive tract. Blood that occurs secondary to foreign body trauma can lead to pink vomit.
7. Cancer and Tumors
Cancer or tumors anywhere in the upper digestive tract, including the oral cavity, can bleed or irritate normal tissue. When this blood is digested, the fluids inside the stomach mix resulting in a pink color that can be seen in the vomit.
8. Infections
Certain types of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can lead to vomiting. This is usually the result of tissue damage in the gastrointestinal tract.
9. Shock
If your companion cat is seriously ill and experiencing signs of shock, the digestive tract may suffer as a result of low blood pressure. When this happens, the lining of the digestive tract is affected and damaged. Vomiting may occur and patients may require intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.
10. Chronic Vomiting
Disease processes that cause repeated vomiting, such as kidney disease or liver disease, may be the underlying cause of pink vomitus. As previously mentioned, stomach acids can irritate the esophagus leading to inflammation and blood in the vomit.
Signs Your Pet May Need to See the Vet
Diagnostics
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination on your cat to gain a better understanding of their overall condition. Then, based on the physical examination findings, your veterinarian will suggest diagnostic tests that can be performed to better determine the cause of the vomiting. Common modalities used are radiographs, endoscopy, surgery, and ultrasound. Furthermore, blood work can be useful in identifying bleeding disorders and infections.
Treatment
Treatment for vomiting pink fluid depends greatly on the underlying cause. Remember, vomiting is a symptom of a problem, not the problem itself. For example, if vomiting is secondary to a foreign body, evacuation is necessary. If the vomiting is secondary to an ulcer, the ulcer will require resolution and the underlying cause addressed.
Symptomatic care is often used to help reduce signs of illness and can be useful for a variety of ailments. Cats with pink vomit will often benefit from using an off-label medication such as sucralfate or Carafate®. This medicine helps areas of ulceration or irritation in the upper digestive tract.
Additionally, anti-vomit medications may be recommended depending on the suspected underlying disease process. Not all patients who experience vomiting should be treated with anti-vomiting medication. This is a treatment decision that needs to be made by your veterinarian.
Often, dietary changes may be recommended, and the diet may be stopped temporarily. Bland, wet diets are often preferred in animals struggling with gastrointestinal issues.
In summary
Vomiting in cats should be taken seriously. If your 4-legged companion appears distressed or if vomiting persists, it’s time to have them checked by a veterinarian. The cause of vomiting can vary, and as a result, the treatment also varies. Your veterinarian will recommend a variety of diagnostic tests and supportive interventions and will be prepared to intervene further if necessary. Your cat should be carefully observed after vomiting for signs of worsening of their condition. In case of doubt, contact your veterinarian.
Featured Image Credit: Thiti H, Shutterstock
