Cat Urine Samples: How Much Is Enough?

A cat's urine can provide a wealth of information about its health, and collecting a sample can be a daunting but necessary task for pet owners. The amount of urine required for a sample varies depending on the test being conducted, but generally, a minimum of 6 ml (1.2 teaspoons) is needed for analysis and culture. To ensure accurate results, it is essential to collect a sufficient amount of urine and store it properly before taking it to the vet.

How to collect a cat urine sample

Your cat's urine sample can give your vet a wealth of information about their health. It can help diagnose why your cat may be peeing outside the litter box, why there may be blood in their urine, or why they may be losing weight. It can also help monitor the progression or status of kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or diabetes.

Veterinarians need a minimum of 6 ml (1.2 teaspoons) of urine for analysis and culture. However, more is always better.

• Prep the litter box & isolate your cat: Use a brand new, clean litter box and wipe it out with a clean, lint-free damp cloth. Let it air dry. If you use an existing litter box, empty it, clean it thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent, and let it air dry. Provide an additional empty litter box, as your cat may not like the new litter. Place the specially prepared litter box and your cat in an isolated room, such as a bathroom, to better control the situation.
• Get the right litter: Use non-absorbent litter to help you collect a stress-free urine sample. Non-absorbing cat litter options include Nosorb litter, PawCheck cat litter, and Kit4Cat hydrophonic litter. These options usually come with a collection kit. If you are unable to get non-absorbent litter, you can try using rinsed and dried popcorn kernels, shredded plastic shopping bags, cut-up plastic drinking straws, or washed and dried landscaping pea gravel.
• Collect the urine: As soon as your cat urinates, collect the urine sample from the box using a syringe or pipette. Do not pour the urine from the litter box into the transport container, as this may cause spilling. Collect the urine within 15 to 30 minutes after your cat has peed.
• Transfer the urine to a sterile jar: Transfer the collected urine to a sterile urine jar. Your veterinarian may provide you with one, or you can purchase one. Do not use household containers, as they may contaminate the sample.
• Bring the sample to the vet ASAP: Transport the sample within 15 to 30 minutes of collection. If you are unable to transport it immediately, place it in the fridge. If you have a long distance to travel, put it in a cooler (36 to 45 F). Do not keep the sample longer than 4 hours from collection, even if it is refrigerated. Samples need to be analyzed within 24 hours of collection.

How much is needed for a successful analysis

A minimum of 6ml (1.2 teaspoons) of cat urine is needed for analysis and culture. However, more is always welcomed. The more urine provided, the more accurate the test results will be.

The ideal sample is the first-morning urine since it is the most concentrated. To collect the morning urine, the cat should not pee throughout the night. This can be achieved by isolating the cat overnight in a room without a litter box.

The sample should be collected within 15 to 30 minutes after the cat has peed. If it cannot be transported to the vet immediately, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours. The sample needs to be analysed within 24 hours of collection.

There are three main ways to collect urine from cats: cystocentesis, catheterization, and mid-stream free flow. Cystocentesis is the most accurate method as it involves inserting a needle into the bladder to extract urine directly. However, it is more invasive and requires the bladder to be relatively full. Catheterization is less invasive and involves passing a narrow catheter through the urethra into the bladder. Mid-stream free flow is the least invasive method, where the cat urinates voluntarily, and the sample is collected mid-stream.

To collect a urine sample at home, you will need a urine collection kit, a litter tray, non-absorbent litter or shredded magazine paper, a syringe or dropper, and a pen for labelling. Clean the litter tray thoroughly, rinse and dry it, then sprinkle some non-absorbent litter or shredded paper. Put the tray back in its normal place and wait for your cat to pee. As soon as the cat urinates, put on gloves, tip the tray to pool the urine in one corner, and collect the sample using a syringe or dropper. Label the sample with your name, your cat's name, and the time and date it was collected.

How to store the sample

Once you have successfully collected a urine sample from your cat, it's important to store it properly to ensure the results are as accurate as possible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store the sample:

Refrigerate the Sample:

If you are unable to transport the sample to your vet immediately, place it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the sample, as this can affect its stability and integrity. Aim to keep the sample refrigerated for no more than 4 hours.

Use a Sterile Container:

Use a sterile urine jar or a container provided by your veterinarian to store the sample. Household containers should be avoided, as they may contaminate the sample and alter the test results. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent leakage and ensure the sample is secure during transport.

Maintain Temperature Control:

If you have a long distance to travel to your vet, it is recommended to transport the sample in a cooler to maintain its temperature. The ideal temperature range is between 36 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help keep the sample stable and prevent degradation.

Label the Sample:

Be sure to clearly label the container with your name, your cat's name, and the date and time the sample was collected. This information is crucial for proper identification and record-keeping.

Timely Delivery:

It is essential to deliver the sample to your vet as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of collection. The longer the sample is stored, the greater the risk of changes occurring that can affect the accuracy of the test results. Fresh samples provide the most reliable results.

Avoid Contamination:

To ensure the accuracy of the test results, it is crucial to avoid contaminating the sample. Wash your hands before and after handling the sample, and do not allow the sample to come into contact with any foreign substances or surfaces.

By following these instructions, you can help ensure that the urine sample is stored properly and provide your veterinarian with the best possible sample for accurate testing and diagnosis. Remember, the sooner you deliver the sample to your vet, the more reliable the test results will be.

How long does it take for urine to degrade

Urine samples are best examined within 30 minutes of collection as decomposition starts during this time. If the sample is left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it will become cloudy and its colour will darken due to bacterial growth. The smell of ammonia will also become apparent as bacteria decompose the urea in the urine.

If a urine sample is to be stored, it should be refrigerated at 4 °C and tested within 24 hours of collection. Samples can be stored in refrigerators at 2 to 8° C for up to two days (48 hours) or frozen at 0° C. However, it is strongly recommended to test the sample as soon as possible after collection.

Veterinarians need a minimum of 6 ml (1.2 teaspoons) of cat urine for analysis and culture, but more is always welcomed. Most urine tests are run in-house and only require a small amount of urine (1-2mls). However, some samples may need to be sent to an external laboratory, in which case a larger sample will be required.

What can the sample be used to diagnose

A cat urine sample can be used to diagnose a range of health issues. Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes are some of the most common issues that can be identified through a urine sample.

Veterinarians can check for the presence of infection-fighting white blood cells and/or bacteria, which would indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). They can also examine the urine for crystals, which may be a sign of bladder stones or cystitis. Monitoring urine protein levels can provide insights into diseases like kidney failure. Checking the dilution of the urine can help explain excessive drinking and peeing, giving information about kidney function and hydration status.

Additionally, urine samples can be used to assess the function of the kidneys by looking at the concentration of the urine, known as specific gravity. The presence of glucose can indicate diabetes, while protein, blood, and inflammatory cells in the urine can suggest cystitis or inflammation of the bladder.

Frequently asked questions