What Can Be Found Out from a Cat’s Urine Test? I Will Introduce You to the Items and Methods of Collecting Urine
For individuals who reside with a feline companion, it is desirable to have them in their lives for as long as feasible, even if just for a brief moment. Prolonging the life of a cat requires regular health assessments and proper daily health management. However, if these are neglected, cats can be susceptible to illnesses that may go undetected. Kidney disease is particularly prevalent in cats and there is a high demand for urine tests to diagnose this issue. This article aims to provide information on what can be determined from a cat’s urine test and the correct method for collecting urine from the cat.
✨What can be found out through a cat urine test?
Initially, it’s normal to inquire about the information that can be obtained from a cat urine analysis.
During a cat urine analysis, the presence of the following elements is typically detected.
❂ Items tested in a urine test
The components evaluated in a urine test may differ slightly between animal hospitals, but typically, the test involves using urine sticks (test paper) and a microscope.
A urine stick test conducted by a veterinarian involves categorizing and coloring the collected urine from a cat in order to detect any irregularities.
The following aspects are assessed in a urine stick test:
・Tone of color
・Presence of hidden blood
・pH value
・Specific gravity of urine
・Urine sugar
・Urine protein
・Ketone bodies
・Bilirubin
Initially, the color of the cat’s urine is examined and compared to the standard value to verify if it is clear and if there is no presence of blood.
Then, the pH value is evaluated to determine if it is more acidic or alkaline, and the specific gravity of the urine, which reflects its concentration, is also checked.
It appears that the presence of urine sugar and protein mass can be evaluated and any potential illnesses can be ruled out through a urine test.
In a microscope examination, the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria is confirmed. If the pH value is significantly acidic or alkaline, the type of urine stone can be identified based on the shape of the crystals.
❂ Illnesses Detected by Urinalysis
The urinalysis of a cat is commonly used to detect various illnesses, including urinary system diseases like urinary tract stones and bladder inflammation.
A decrease in the value of the urine specific gravity compared to the normal value may suggest the presence of diseases such as renal failure. The detection of glucose in the urine raises suspicions of conditions such as diabetes.
The absence of ketones and bilirubin in normal urine suggests that their presence in a urinalysis may indicate liver issues.
✨ When to Take a Cat’s Urinalysis
As a pet owner, it may not be clear when the best time is to have a cat undergo a urinalysis, despite the various examination items it provides.
❂ If there is an Abnormal Urination
If your cat is exhibiting any unusual symptoms in their urinary patterns, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a veterinarian and undergo a urinalysis. The occurrence of such abnormalities should not be ignored and immediate action should be taken.
The state of a cat’s urinary function can serve as an indicator of their overall health, so pet owners should take prompt action if any changes are noticed.
Collecting urine samples and visiting a veterinary hospital is recommended as it may lead to early detection of any underlying health issues. In case of concerns, it may be helpful to call the veterinary hospital beforehand for guidance on collecting the urine.
❂ During a Health Checkup
Even for cats that are generally in good health, it is essential to regularly monitor their overall well-being through health checkups. A urine test should be included in the examination items during a health checkup for added reassurance.
The contents of a health checkup may vary between animal hospitals, but including a urine test is typically standard. By determining the values during the checkup, any potential health issues can be prevented and addressed in a timely manner.
Cats age faster than humans, so it is important to schedule a health checkup at least once a year to ensure their health is properly managed and not neglected.
✨ How to Collect Urine from a Cat
For humans, urine collection is not that much of a hassle, but it is a different story when the target is a cat.
What is the best way to collect urine from a cat at home?
❂ Utilizing a Ladle
The most efficient way to collect the cat’s urine is by using a ladle, a kitchen tool, to directly gather it.
By positioning the ladle under the cat’s tail when it enters the litter box, the urine will accumulate in it.
This approach allows for collection regardless of the shape of the litter box, so it is advisable to prepare a separate ladle specifically for the cat and have it readily available for regular check-ups.
❂ Employing the System Toilet
For households that use the system toilet, it is possible to directly collect the urine without removing pet sheets from the tray.
In case of concerns about the dirt on the tray, it is suggested to place wrap on top of the tray for easier maintenance.
Although this is a straightforward method of collecting urine, it is recommended to perform a urine test when switching to a new type of cat litter to prevent bacterial growth.
❂ Utilizing a Dedicated Kit
Recently, pet-dedicated kits that make collecting urine convenient are available for purchase.
It is convenient to choose a collection kit that suits the cat’s personality, such as a kit with a sponge attached to the end of a rod or a sheet-type collection kit.
Many veterinary clinics are able to examine urine collected with such kits, so it is recommended to check with the animal hospital in advance when using one.
✨ Points to Consider When Examining Cat Urine
Although conducting a cat urine examination can be simple once the techniques are mastered, there are certain precautions that must be taken to ensure accuracy. The following considerations should be kept in mind when performing the examination to obtain an accurate result.
❂ Get the urine test done as soon as possible after urination
The freshness of a urine sample is important when conducting a urine test, therefore it is recommended to immediately urinate and store it at room temperature. Within 6 hours, the sample should be brought to the veterinary hospital if stored at room temperature.
A delay in obtaining the sample can result in bacteria growth and affect the accuracy of the test results. It is suggested to have the test performed as soon as possible after ingestion to prevent incorrect results.
In the event of inconvenience, the urine can be stored in a container and kept refrigerated. The sample should be brought to the veterinary hospital within a minimum of one week.
❂ Use clean tools when collecting urine
The crucial aspect of a urine examination is to obtain precise results.
Even if a urine examination is performed, the accuracy of the results for your cherished feline may be compromised if unclean tools are utilized.
To ensure the validity of the urine examination, kindly utilize sanitary equipment when collecting the sample.
To maximize the usage of the tools, it is advisable to thoroughly wash and dry them after each use and store them in a hygienic place for future clean utilization.
✨There is also a way to do a simple test at home
The testing of cat urine is usually performed at home and the sample is then brought to a veterinary hospital. However, if one is unable to collect the urine properly, a veterinarian can perform the test at the hospital using methods such as puncturing the bladder or inserting a catheter.
While these methods are common, they can be quite burdensome for the cat. Additionally, compressing the bladder to urinate is not recommended as it can lead to trouble with urination and kidney problems, especially in cats that are prone to these issues.
For those who find these methods to be a burden, simple test kits are available for purchase and can be used at home to provide quick results. It is important to consider the personality of the cat when choosing a testing method, as putting undue stress on the animal is unnecessary.
For those who want to perform regular tests, test papers that measure pH value and pet sheets are also available for purchase. These options are much simpler and less stressful for the cat.
✨Conclusion
It can be said that a urine test is the most basic examination for both cats and humans as it serves as an indicator of health. With their highly active kidney function, cats are known to produce highly concentrated urine even with minimal water intake, making it important for owners to monitor the state of their urine. The cost of a urine test at animal hospitals is typically around $13, making it a relatively affordable examination. By regularly monitoring their urine, diseases can be prevented or detected in advance. If collecting urine is challenging, there are options for testing at the animal hospital or at home, and it is recommended to choose the method that best suits the cat’s personality.
