The Cato story: How to collect a urine sample from a cat

[cassandra]

So my formerly-big gray tabby, Cato, has lost a ton of weight over the past few months and recent blood tests show he may have diabetes (not uncommon for older cats).

Anywho, my new and wondeful vet said the best test is with a urine sample, which can be collected one of two ways: a big, long needle used to extract pee directly from his bladder (which has the possibility of complications) or to collect it from the litter box.

To collect it from the litter box, you have to use a non-absorbant litter medium. And the best thing to use is un-popped popcorn!

So, this morning, I washed and sanitized the litter box (eeww) and filled it with popcorn. Since my two cats share a box, I locked Nicky away upstairs. The bad news was it looked like Nicky was crossing his little legs cuz he had to go and that Cato had already gone before I cleaned the box. GAAH!

Ever sit and watch a cat, hoping he'll go pee? =P

Anywho, about an hour after I cleaned the box, I saw Cato head to the litter box room (he's drinking a TON, another sympton of diabetes or bladder problems) and huzzah! Cat pee!

Since the popcorn is non-absorbant but is similar in size and shape to litter, the cat will hopefully do his business normally...and then using a suction syringe, you can suck up some pee from the bottom of the box.

And it worked! A test tube of Cato pee is now residing in my fridge...good thing Rick isn't home because storing "output" from animals in the fridge gives him the heeby-jeebies.

So, if you need to get a urine sample from a cat, popcorn. /nod

[Ginevive]

Wow, I never would have thought of that!
I would just make sure that the popcorn is then discarded and not consumed by any humans (unless you don't like them, lol.)

[JLC]

Use that popcorn for the lunch thief!

[cassandra]

Use that popcorn for the lunch thief!

Okay, you guys are gross! That popcorn is safely in the dumpster outside...

[frankykeno]

No the wierd thing Cass is sitting online helping a friend pass the time waiting for her cat to pee in popcorn and then helping her celebrate said urine collection. Who in the world is that freaky LMAO!

Congrats to Cato for doing his thing and I hope he is okay when the sample is tested (glad Nicky didn't pee on your bed lol)

[MedusasOwl]

This post is missing one thing...



Ah, there we go!

[rabernet]

I like Judy's idea for the used popcorn!!!


I have a diabetic kitty - it's pretty easy to manage as long as you don't mind giving the shots 2 X a day. The needles are pretty small, and mine doesn't even seem to really notice.

We detected hers when she started walking flat on her back legs down to the "elbow" - another symptom of diabetes. Once she got on her insulin, she was back to walking on her toes like a normal kitty.

[recycling goddess]

mmmm...... popcorn!

[cassandra]

I like Judy's idea for the used popcorn!!!


I have a diabetic kitty - it's pretty easy to manage as long as you don't mind giving the shots 2 X a day. The needles are pretty small, and mine doesn't even seem to really notice.

We detected hers when she started walking flat on her back legs down to the "elbow" - another symptom of diabetes. Once she got on her insulin, she was back to walking on her toes like a normal kitty.

Wait...so your cat has diabetes...and gets a shot once a day or twice? I'd love to hear more about your experience...

Cato has lost a phenomenal amount of weight, but other than now being skin and bones, he seems fine: active, alert, and playful.

[rabernet]

Yeah, Tyranny has been on insulin for at least five years now. She gets two shots a day right between her shoulders. Very quick and she doesn't even flinch and then gets lots of attention. Just pull the skin in a tent and put the shot where the bottom of the door would be, push plunger and done!


She's done very well, and I also put her (and the other cat - since they free feed) on weight management cat food (even though she's also thin). I think it's lower sugar and you can sometimes get to where you can wean them off insulin (not all diabetic cats, but some). I've not weaned her - but I think that the food helps!