Whether your veterinarian has asked for a sample of your cat's urine for routine health checks or to investigate specific symptoms, getting a sample from your cat doesn't have to be as stressful or complicated as you might think.
Here are some handy tips on how to get a urine sample from a cat.
Why do vets need a urine sample from cats?
Urinalysis plays a critical role in assessing your cat's health. It offers a wealth of information, including signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, bladder stones, and even systemic conditions like diabetes. Additionally, analysing a urine sample can reveal your cat’s hydration status, the presence of inflammatory cells, or abnormalities such as blood in the urine.
A urine sample is not just a diagnostic tool; it can also be a part of preventative care. Regular urinalysis during routine check-ups allows vets to catch potential problems early, often before symptoms arise. This early detection can lead to timely interventions, potentially avoiding more serious complications in the future.
What do I need to get a urine sample from a cat?
Before you start, it’s essential to have all the necessary materials. Having everything ready in advance will simplify the process and minimise stress for both you and your cat.
- A clean tray, ideally with smooth surfaces
- Non-absorbent cat litter
- A syringe or pipette for transferring the urine into a container
- A sterile, sealable container, such as a small jar or a specimen pot provided by your vet
- Disposable gloves (optional but helpful for maintaining hygiene)
How to collect a urine sample at home
Collecting a urine sample from your cat might not be on your list of favourite tasks, but it’s an important way to help your furry friend stay healthy. Whether your vet has requested a sample or you’re just keeping an eye on your cat’s well-being, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. With a little patience and preparation, you can make it quick and stress-free for both you and your cat.
- Timing is crucial: aim to collect your cat’s first-morning urine when it’s most concentrated. This provides the most accurate and informative results for your vet to analyse
- Start with a spotless litter tray: begin by thoroughly cleaning the litter tray. A clean tray helps ensure your sample isn’t contaminated by leftover debris or bacteria. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning products and let it dry completely
- Swap regular litter for a non-absorbent alternative: replace your usual litter with one that's non-absorbent, like plastic beads or special urine collection litter
- Keep things calm: cats are highly sensitive to stress, so maintaining a familiar and peaceful environment can help them feel more at ease and encourage cooperation
- Watch and wait (patiently): keep a close eye on your cat to see when it uses the tray. Timing is everything; freshness matters when it comes to urine samples. Stay nearby, but don’t make your cat feel like they’re being watched too closely!
- Collect the urine: carefully use a clean syringe or pipette to extract the urine from the tray. Take care not to pick up any faeces or stray litter particles; a clean sample is key
Seal, label and store: transfer the urine into a clean, sealable container. Clearly label it with your cat’s name, along with the date and time of collection. This helps your vet keep things organised - Get it to the vet quickly: deliver the sample to your veterinarian as soon as possible for analysis. If there’s a delay, store it in a cool place or refrigerate it (unless your vet advises otherwise)
- Ask for help: if you’re finding it difficult to collect a sample, speak to your vet for advice
How to get a urine sample from a cat in a multi-cat household
If you're fortunate to have more than one cat, obtaining a urine specimen from a specific feline can be more challenging. To simplify the process:
- Confine the cat in question to a quiet room with its own litter box
- Monitor your cat closely so you’ll know when they’ve gone to the toilet. Promptly remove any faeces to prevent contamination
- Ensure the sample is clearly labelled with the correct cat’s details to avoid any mix-ups
Can a urine sample have litter in it?
Ideally, the sample should not contain litter. Standard clumping or absorbent litter can interfere with the analysis, introducing chemicals or materials that may skew results. Non-absorbent alternatives like plastic beads are preferable. If your sample inadvertently contains litter, let your vet know. They may still be able to use it, but the tests they can perform might be limited.
Should I refrigerate a cat urine sample?
Yes, if you cannot deliver the sample to your vet immediately, refrigerate it. Ensure the sample pot is tightly sealed and store it in the fridge away from food. Ideally, the sample should be delivered within 24 hours for accurate results.
How long is a cat urine sample good for?
Urine samples are best tested within an hour of it being collected. If you can give it to your vet immediately, putting it in the fridge can extend this window to 24 hours. Anything longer could affect the accuracy of the results.
Getting a urine sample from your cat may feel daunting at first, but it can be a fairly manageable process with the right preparation and a little patience. If you encounter any difficulties or have concerns, speak to your vet for further advice.
