Little Lucy has a UTI and wasn't able to be spayed. The vet gave her an injection and needs a urine sample to determine if the antibiotic worked before he can re-schedule the procedure. I misunderstood and took them a urine soaked litter clump, which was funny- to them. They tried to sell me plastic litter or said to try "packaging peanuts" or shredded up newspaper. I don't like the idea of "teaching" Lucy to pee on newspapers, which I think I'd live to regret. I don't think she will use the litter box filled with packaging peanuts, more likely she will play and have them everywhere. I know for a fact she won't use an empty litter box.

Does anybody have any other suggestions for a urine collection or do I need to just buy the plastic litter?

Thanks,
Rich

I was provided with the plastic litter for Jagger, it didn't fill much of the tray and obviously there is a risk of urine soaked paws as the litter isn't absorbent for obvious reasons but he did use it and they were able to test it.

It took a few days for him to use the litter tray with that in it though, so be patient with Lucy! Cats like what they know and it is of course very different to what they're used to!

Good luck!!!

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

I find this strange. My vet will express urine at the office for a sample. I've never had to bring a sample in to them. It may depend on how much they need for the test. Considering Raiden reserves his urine for his marking, it's pretty easy for them to get some out of him. I realize it's easier for the owner to do it, but the last time I took Raiden in because he wasn't feeling well, they checked the urine and it came back negative for anything.

I have used the plastic litter too at home. Also have left Oscar at the vets until he produced a sample in the litter tray with the plastic litter. Its very frustrating and not easy at all. In the past we had a cat who started peeing in the shower so that rang alarm bells. He would not use the litter tray so I knew he could have a urine infection. Anyway, I had this bright idea to take the top bit off the plug hole and put a load of cellophane/cling film down the plug hole so it would catch the urine. OMG it worked! I took cellophane wrapped cat pee to the vets, twisted up like a little balloon. Their faces were priceless! Unfortunately not only a urine infection but bladder cancer and we lost him soon after

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

It definitely is not easy for us or the kitty. The vet did not offer to just expressing her prior to the next attempt at spaying, which is part of the spay procedure anyway and how they found the dark urine to begin with. I imagine the express procedure would require anesthesia? I'm going to try the paper towel litter first.

As an aside, I was taken aback of the UTI prognosis being she is perfectly normal with her litter box habits and not at all vocal when she pees. My previous girl kitty would get occasional UTI's where she would not use the box and was very vocal as she peed outside the box. Lucy seems to get adequate hydration judging by her routine use of a filtered water fountain. We did leave her for 10 days over the holiday (had friends drop by daily). The vet said a UTI can be caused by stress so maybe that had something to do with it. Otherwise, she seems to be a very happy and playful kitty. So sad (and scary) about the cancer.

Rich

Rich, expressing a cat's urine is not painful to the cat at all. You are just placing pressure on the bladder to release the urine. No anesthesia required. I know you are anxious about this ... but it's not a big deal. I have followed Raiden to the litter box with a plastic bowl to catch a poop sample. I know it's easier to do that than when they squat in the litter box to pee. But, if I had to, I would hold up Raiden's butt and put the bowl under to see if I could catch any. If the vet said they could express -- I'd let them do it. I love how so protective everyone is over their kitties.

Melissa, I am so sorry about your other kitty.

Merlin had loads of urine tests a couple of years ago following a kidney (?) problem. I tried the plastic beads from the vet, and he refused to go..
I found in the end that letting him out in the garden, he would perch on the edge of one of my Acer pots, and I was able to capture directly from the free flow! My Vet was impressed as zero contaminants each time!
Best to wear rubber gloves if trying this method tho...lol.

Lucy has an appointment with the vet this evening. I already told them they were going to need to express her for a sample. Great story Jodonut, I don't dare let Lucy outside, she'd probably run off and get lost. I know she doesn't provide much clearance from her bottom to the ground when she pees. How'd you make out with Merlin's kidney problems?

To make matters more complicated she is in heat. I'm super worried about her bloody urine, which is evident even in the litter. She only pees less than an ounce at a time and is somewhat vocal. I'm concerned that the antibiotic injection (two weeks ago) didn't resolve the problem.

Why do I always think the worst

Rich

Rich, hang in there. Your vet knows what he or she is doing. Let's hope you can get Lucy spayed ASAP and all the other health issues taken care of.

Thanks Sherry, you're right, the little fur ball has such a wonderful personality I'll go to pieces if she has a serious complication. Yes, the plan is to get her spayed as soon as possible. Although I must say, she is really a character and super affectionate while she is in heat. Aside from the submissive antics, she just wants to be cuddled, which is just not her usual self. She will also talk (in paragraphs) your ears off! I guess what I'm trying to say is, as an indoor cat her being in heat is like a different cat has come to visit! She is lovable when she isn't in heat, but only on her terms, otherwise she is the Tasmanian Devil on steroids. How about the only place she can't reach now is the top of the refrigerator. Yep, everything in the house belongs to her- so she thinks!

Rich

Well, Rich, it is not great for the cat's health to keep an intact female unless you are planning to breed her. And, there is always the chance she could slip out the door and get knocked up by any tom cat within 10 miles. It's really not worth it. She may be overly affectionate when she's in heat, but that's no reason to not have it done!!! LOL