From the Guidelines
Urine for a urinalysis (UA) in cats is best collected via cystocentesis, which involves using a needle and syringe to collect urine directly from the bladder. This procedure should be performed by a veterinarian or trained veterinary technician. The cat is typically gently restrained while the practitioner palpates the bladder, cleans the collection site with antiseptic, and inserts a small needle through the abdominal wall into the bladder to withdraw urine. Cystocentesis is preferred because it provides the cleanest sample without contamination from the lower urinary tract, which is crucial for accurate test results, particularly when bacterial culture is needed, as it prevents contamination with normal bacteria from the lower urinary tract 1.
Some key points to consider when collecting urine for a UA in cats include:
- The use of a sterile needle and syringe to minimize contamination
- Gentle restraint of the cat to prevent injury or stress
- Palpation of the bladder to ensure accurate needle placement
- Cleaning of the collection site with antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection
- The potential for mild discomfort during needle insertion, which is generally well-tolerated by most cats
Alternative collection methods, such as catheterization or free catch/voided collection, may introduce contaminants that can affect test results, and are therefore not recommended when a clean sample is required 1. Overall, cystocentesis is the preferred method for collecting urine for a UA in cats due to its ability to provide a clean and accurate sample.
From the Research
Urine Collection Methods for UA in Cats
- Cystocentesis is a preferred method for collecting urine samples from cats, as it provides a more reliable and accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections 2, 3.
- This method involves inserting a needle into the bladder to collect urine, which helps to minimize contamination and provide a more accurate culture result.
- Other methods, such as catheterization and voiding, can lead to contamination and inaccurate culture results, making it difficult to interpret the results 2, 4, 5.
- Cystocentesis has been shown to be a safe and effective method for collecting urine samples from cats, with few significant side effects 3.
- In some cases, cystocentesis may be used as a therapeutic procedure to relieve urinary obstruction and provide temporary relief until the underlying issue can be addressed 3, 6.