How to collect cat urine for testing

Urine tests are an extremely important diagnostic tool for detecting various health conditions in cats, such as infections, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, etc. However, many cat owners are faced with a challenge: how to collect cat urine for testing at home? In this article, we will explain step by step how to do it correctly and safely for both you and your pet.

Getting ready

Before starting the urine collection process, it is important to prepare. You will need:

• A clean, dry and sterilised container to collect the urine. Usually veterinary clinics or regular human pharmacies sell special cups for collecting urine, but you can use any clean, small cup.
• Use a sterile syringe or pipette to collect the urine from the box into the urine cup.
• Special urine collection litter, if needed (sold in veterinary pharmacies).
• Pallet (bedding) if necessary. Use the non-absorbent side.

Preparation of the cat’s toilet

• Rinse the cat’s litter box with hot water and wipe it with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture.
• If you use a special litter tray for collecting urine, spread it in the litter box. This litter is designed so that the urine does not soak into it, but rather accumulates on the surface, thus facilitating the collection of urine.
• If you use a tray, place the non-absorbent side of the tray in the empty litter box.
• If you do not use a special litter tray or pallet, you can leave the litter tray empty (in which case it is particularly important to clean it as clean as possible) and collect the urine after the pet has urinated.

Collecting urine

• Wait for the cat to use the toilet. It is important to be patient and not disturb the animal.
• Once the cat has urinated, use a syringe or pipette as soon as possible to collect the urine in the prepared container.
• Immediately after collection, the urine should be stored in a refrigerator if you are unable to take it to the veterinary clinic immediately.
• Urine should be delivered to the clinic within 2 hours of collection to maintain the accuracy of the test. Longer storage may lead to bacterial growth or changes in the chemical content of the urine.

Additional tips

• If you are having problems collecting urine or your cat is very stressed, contact your vet who may be able to suggest an alternative method of collection or help you to do it at the clinic.
• Cleanliness and sterility are very important during the collection process to avoid inaccurate test results.

Collecting cat urine at home may seem complicated, but by following the steps outlined above, it is entirely possible. If you have any questions or doubts, you can always contact your veterinarian.