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Why is my cat's diarrhea pink and explosive? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 months and 8 days old | 4.2 lbs

Watson has been having chronic diarrhea and vomiting with inappentence. He recently started eating again with the help of medication etc. But he's having rather explosive diarrhea that is pure, medium pink. A vet tech suggested it's his food, but the colors don't match up. This is also rather recent a change in color. Whats going on and what should I do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 15th, 2018

Pink diarrhea can be caused by eating foods with a lot of red dye, but you would usually see the stools be a rust color, not pink. I would be more concerned that there is blood in the stool causing the off color. Bloody diarrhea (and chronic vomiting and diarrhea) in a cat can be caused by food intolerance or allergies, intestinal parasites, bacterial or viral gastroenteritis (such as panleukopenia virus), GI blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, among others. I would recommend that you have another visit with the vet about the ongoing issues and the change in color of the diarrhea to see what is the next diagnostic step.
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