You are here:

Cats/Urine Sample

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/27/2010


Question
My vet gave me a small pill bottle full of little black beads to put in an empty litter box to collect a sample. Are these beads non-absorbant? If so, does she want me to bring back just the urine or the beads as well? If they are absorbent, I just bring back the beads?

Thanks.

Answer
Sac Israil,

The little black beads are non-absorbant, they're meant to be placed into a freshly cleaned, disinfected and dry litter box. I use antibacterial dish soap weekly and a 5 parts water to one part bleach solution once every two weeks, just be sure to rinse well to avoid having cleaning products contaminate the urine sample. Ideally you'll want to do this overnight by confining your kitty in a small room where he's got no choice but to use the litter beads and it's crucial to get the sample into the vet clinic as quickly as possible, if you are delayed then you can refrigerate the sample for a short period of time (the amount of time depends on your vet's individual preferences and what tests need to be performed on the sample so please check with the vet prior to collecting the sample to ask what the requirements are as far as your vet's concerned). When these beads are used in the litter box you'll be able to pour the urine sample into the sterile container you were given for the sample, you just need to strain the beads out and in my experience once the beads are used most vets don't want them back, but again check with your vet to see what s/he would like. If you have any further cat related questions or concerns I'd be more than happy to help you out to the best of my ability so please don't hesitate to contact me again.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.