How to get a cat urine sample?

[donchano]

One of my cats has been drinking much more than normal so I took her to the vet and he asked me to get a urine sample using a special non-absorbent cat litter. The problem is that she hasn't used a litter tray since she was a kitten and isn't showing any inclination to go in one now.
I tried shutting her in a room today with food, water and litter tray but she still didn't go, even though I was away for 8 hours at work. Do I just have to tough it out and keep her in solitary confinement until she gives in?
Any tips greatly appreciated!

[ladybirder]

Unless anyone has a better idea yes I think you do. Can't think how else you'll get it. I actually emptied my cat's litter tray and she peed into the empty tray so it was easy but then she uses it everyday. Sorry not much help.

[boxtops]

I think you do, too - if you have a real problem, can't the vet take a blood sample instead?

[wolf63]

My last cat refused to 'go' when I tried to do this. The vet had to sedate him to clean his teeth so just gave him a squeeze to get some urine out whilst he was under.

The vet said that it can be almost impossible for an owner to get a sample.

[ladybirder]

Wolf I found it so easy I couldn't believe it. But of course that was because she always uses a litter tray.

[wolf63]

I am sure Frankie saves up his wee - he floods the litter tray out. Merlin does delicate little wees.

[Bambiagain]

If she's been shut inside and hasn't used the litter tray, you could perhaps take her back to the vet so he could give her a squeeze as Wolf's vet did - she'll be bursting so it shouldn't be a problem.

[islasmum]

I had to get a urine sample from my elderly cat several years ago, and the vet told me just to place a saucer under him when he's peeing - to say that he was uncooperative is putting it nicely! He exited the litter tray in a major strop, which lasted for several days, and did not use his litter tray again for a week at least! I rang the vet and told them i couldn't get a sample and they said never mind we'll probbly take a blood sample next time he's in. He died, a fairly healthy old man, several years later, at sixteen and a half.

[JonnyBoy12]

I am sorry but I think this question is taking the p*ss!

[wolf63]

donchano - I hope that you are going to update us so that we know how you get on and the results of the urine test.

I had to take urine samples from my dog - much simpler (embarrassing to do in the street though) - the good thing about a dog is that there is less chance of the mere human being mortally injured trying to catch the pee.

[donchano]

Update: I am trying again today, have left her in solitary confinement again. If no joy this time I will go back to the vets.
Thanks for all your replies.....will let you know if mission accomplished.

[donchano]

Mission accomplished......shut Chloe in yesterday and she produced the goods. Good girl! However, vet has now tested and said that there's nothing abnormal in the urine sample, so I've got to take her in for a blood test.

[wolf63]

The blood test is simpler - the vet knocked out my last cat and took the blood from his carotid artery.

Cats are a pain - strong willed is one way of putting it. I hope that your cat is okay or has something that can be easily treated.

[Epinephrine]

You don't take blood samples from ARTERIES!!!! (unless in certain specific circumstances) This is not routine for basic haematology, bichemistry, electrolytes or PCVs etc.

Blood samples are usually taken from the Jugular Vein, in cats and dogs necks. Occasionally if the jugular is not accessible the second choice is usually the cephalic vein which runs down their front legs, the same vein an intravenous catheter would normally be placed if needed.
I have also seen the saphenous veins used (on lateral hindlimbs) but the jugular vein is first choice and others generally only used if blown or something else preventing access. The reason being, biggest vein and needle as possible means less damage to cells.

Blood sample can be collected conscious under correct restraint and sedation would only be required if the animal was very stressed.