How to Get a Urine Sample From a Cat: Effective Vet Approved Tips & FAQ
A urine sample can help a veterinarian check for various conditions in a feline's urinary tract and kidneys. If your vet has asked you to bring in a sample of urine from your cat, you might be feeling a bit bewildered as to how to actually get one. After all, how likely is your cat to cooperate if you attempt to hold a collection pot under them as they pee?
Although you might be imagining all sorts of bizarre or messy scenarios, obtaining a urine sample from a cat is actually not that difficult. The only potentially frustrating aspect of the procedure is waiting for your cat to actually use the bathroom! Read on for the easiest way to get a urine sample from a cat.
Before You Start
This is a simple procedure, but you do need a few pieces of equipment, and there are vital steps you should take and things to keep in mind. The most important thing is to thoroughly clean your cat’s litter box—this will encourage the cat to use the bathroom and get rid of any dirt or feces that may contaminate the urine.
If your cat does poop before urinating in the litter box you’ve cleaned for the purpose of urine collection, remove it and any surrounding litter to avoid contamination. Try your best to remove any traces of the cleaning products that you used, as these can also affect the sample.
How to Get a Urine Sample From a Cat
Most veterinarians will request a fresh sample. It must be in an appropriate sample pot and collected with a dropper or syringe. If your vet didn’t give you a sample pot, a clean jar can be a substitute, but you should double check with your vet.
What You'll Need
Steps
How Much Urine Is Needed for a Sample?
Not much. As a rule, around 1–2 ml should be sufficient, though in some cases, your vet may need a larger sample. This depends on whether the test will be done in-house or needs to be sent to a laboratory.
What If I Can’t Collect a Urine Sample?
If you’re unable to collect the sample for any reason, speak to your vet, and they’ll be able to advise you and help you out. Sometimes, a vet will invite you to leave your cat at the clinic for a day so the staff can collect the sample there. In some cases, vets will extract the sample from the bladder itself rather than doing so externally; this is called cystocentesis.
Why Does My Vet Need a Urine Sample?
Your vet could ask for a cat urine sample for a variety of reasons, including the need to check for:
Conditions vets may be looking for when examining a urine sample include:
Final Thoughts
Getting a urine sample from a cat is pretty straightforward. Granted, your cat may make you wait a while for that sample, but apart from that, you should be able to collect it without too much stress. As long as you’ve got a spotless litter box, the right kind of litter, and a whole lot of patience, you’ll be just fine!
Remember, don’t worry if you’re having a really hard time collecting a sample—your vet is always there to help.
Related Read:
Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock
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Kit Copson is a freelance writer and lifelong animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented various furry beings over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with animals, Kit can be found doodling in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
