Veterinarians Discuss Symptoms That Indicate a Cat Needs a Urine Test

Veterinarians Discuss Symptoms That Indicate a Cat Needs a Urine Test 0

Urine is an important indicator of a pet's health, capable of signaling the presence of infections, internal inflammatory processes, or dysfunctions in vital organs. Veterinarians explained which symptoms in a cat indicate the need for a urine test.

When is a urine test required?

A urine test is essential when there is a suspicion of bladder or urinary system diseases in general. Cat owners should pay attention to the following symptoms:

— The pet frequently attempts to use the bathroom but without success. This may be a sign of kidney failure.

— The cat's urine has changed color or contains blood or pus. The normal color of cat urine is light yellow. The presence of pus may indicate infectious diseases, while blood may indicate damage to the urinary tract (urethra).

— The cat loudly meows during urination. This may occur due to pain, which often arises from inflammatory processes in the kidneys or urethra.

— The urine has a strong odor. This may be a result of the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the animal's urogenital system.

It is also advisable to visit a veterinary clinic for tests if the cat has not urinated for more than 2 days.

How to properly collect urine for analysis?

At home, the easiest way to collect material for analysis is from the cat's litter box. Before this, it should be thoroughly washed without using household chemicals and rinsed with boiling water. If the cat refuses to use the box without filler, it is not a problem — special fillers for urine collection can be found in pet stores and online.

If the animal suffers from acute cystitis and cannot urinate on its own, a disposable pad can be used. It should be placed with the adhesive side up in a comfortable spot for the pet. The floor, even if thoroughly cleaned, is not suitable for urine collection, as dirt, dust, fur, and residues of cleaning agents may remain on it.

When everything is ready, it is important to watch the cat closely so as not to miss the moment of urination. The most information about the body's condition is contained in the first morning urine. The minimum volume recommended for analysis is 8 milliliters. The collected sample should be stored at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.