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Why is my cat throwing up pink, lethargic, and acting aggressive?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed

Cat is throwing up (starting early this morning) clear pink and acting lethargic. She growls when you try to get near her.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2019

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Izzy! Vomiting and lethargy are very nonspecific symptoms and can mean a number of possible problems. I don't see an age in Izzy's profile; if she's young, I would worry more about a problem with her stomach or intestines, such as if she ate something that upset her tummy, or more seriously if she had foreign material stuck in her GI tract. If she's an older kitty, I would worry about a possible organ problem, such as kidney disease or diabetes. However, all of these problems could affect any age. If she was acting pretty normal, I'd suggest you could wait 24 hours and see if it self-resolves - but if she's also lethargic, then I recommend having her seen by your vet as soon as possible in case it's something serious.

Be very careful when you get her in the carrier - her growling is telling you that she's feeling crummy enough that she wants to be left alone, and if she's prone to nipping she might try to do so when you pick her up.

I hope this helps and she feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Izzy. I recommend that she sees an emergency veterinarian today. The pink tinge to the vomit is likely blood. This can be a serious problem. Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness. So by the time they are acting sick, it is generally quite serious. The veterinarian will examine her and determine what treatment or laboratory work is needed. I hope this information helps!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 6th, 2017
It sounds like your cat Bella is having a bout of gastritis, or an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. I would guess that the pinkish liquid you saw maybe a little bit of blood coming from her stomach wall. Sometimes these cats can get over at episode of gastritis on your own but sometimes I need anti-nausea medication and antibiotics to help them. If it's been over 24 hours I would recommend taking her to see your vet so she can be evaluated. Your vet may recommend antinausea medication and possibly fluids to help her get back to her normal self.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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