The acquisition of a feline urine specimen is a vital diagnostic procedure in veterinary medicine, facilitating the identification of various medical conditions affecting the urinary tract and overall health of the animal. A properly collected sample allows for urinalysis, a laboratory test that assesses the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine, aiding in the diagnosis of infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other systemic illnesses.
Urine analysis offers a non-invasive means of evaluating kidney function, detecting the presence of glucose or ketones (indicators of diabetes), identifying crystals that may predispose an animal to bladder stones, and recognizing inflammatory cells suggestive of infection. Early detection through urinalysis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and overall prognosis, preventing disease progression and minimizing potential complications. Historically, urine collection relied primarily on cystocentesis, a sterile but invasive procedure. Now, less invasive methods are often preferred, when applicable, to minimize stress on the animal and potential complications.