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This guide is a home-care support tool. It does not replace personalized advice from your veterinarian. For any questions, contact us at 514 223-1197.
Why test your cat's urine
A simple urine sample tells your vet a lot about your cat's health. The analysis helps spot:
Urinary infections
Cystitis, bladder infection.
Metabolic problems
Diabetes, kidney disease, and other imbalances.
Clues under the microscope
Blood, crystals, or bacteria.
What is Kit4Cat?
A hydrophobic litter: it does not absorb urine, which stays in droplets on the surface. That lets you collect a clean, free-catch sample at home, often more easily than with other methods.
The best time: the first urine of the day
If you can, aim for the first pee of the morning: that urine sat in the bladder overnight and holds more cells to examine. Set up the Kit4Cat box the night before (removing the usual litter) so you are ready when your cat wakes. Depending on the planned tests, your vet may want one very fresh sample brought in right away: ask the team what applies to your cat.
Collecting for a dog, or no kit on hand?
This guide covers the Kit4Cat method for cats. For dogs, or for kit-free options, see our general urine collection guide (dog and cat). See the general guide
What you need
The kit has the essentials. Get the rest ready before you start.
- The Kit4Cat kit: the hydrophobic litter, a pipette, and a collection vial.
- An empty, clean litter box, without your usual litter.
- A sealed bag or container for transport (if the clinic did not provide one).
- Gloves (optional), for extra hygiene.
Collection in 6 steps
The method is simple. Go at your cat's pace, without rushing it.
Pour the litter
Empty and clean the box, then pour all the Kit4Cat litter in a thin, even layer.
Let your cat use it
Let your cat use this 'special' box at its own pace. Some are surprised at first: give it a little time to get used to it.
Collect the urine
Once your cat has urinated, the urine beads on the surface (the litter does not absorb it). With the pipette, gently draw up the urine while avoiding the granules.
Fill the vial
Transfer the urine into the supplied vial, to about three-quarters full. That is enough for most tests.
Store the vial
Close the vial tightly. If you cannot bring it right away, keep it in the fridge, never the freezer.
Bring it to the clinic
Bring the sample as soon as possible: ideally within 1 to 2 hours, at the latest within 12 to 24 hours.
A demonstration of the Kit4Cat collection.
Freshness and timing: what matters
A fresh sample gives reliable results. Urine changes over time (pH, crystals, cells), which can skew the analysis. A small fresh sample beats a large stale one.
Ideal: 1 to 2 hours
Bring the sample as soon as possible after collection.
Acceptable: 12 to 24 hours
Refrigerated, and for some tests only. Always tell the team the collection time.
Never freeze it
Never freeze the urine: freezing destroys cells and creates artificial crystals that make the microscopic analysis impossible. The fridge is enough.
Label the vial
Write your cat's name, the date, and the time of collection on the vial. It helps the clinic interpret the result.
If things don't go as planned
A few common situations, and what to do.
Your cat refuses the special litter
Leave the box for a few hours in a quiet spot. If it stays reluctant, talk to the clinic: another method (such as cystocentesis) is possible.
Little urine collected?
A small amount is often enough: 2 to 3 pipettes. But do not confuse 'little collected' with 'little produced': if your cat is straining, crying, or passing only a few drops, this is not a quantity question, it is an emergency (see 'When to call us').
Several cats at home?
Isolate the right cat with the special box, so you are sure the sample is its own.
When to call us
One situation warrants an immediate call, plus an easy way out if home collection does not work.
A cat straining without producing urine: an emergency
If your cat (especially a male) is straining in the litter box, crying, going back again and again, or producing only a few drops, stop the collection and call us immediately at 514 223-1197. These signs can indicate a urinary blockage, a life-threatening emergency. Clinic closed? See our emergency page to find an open centre.
Your cat snubs the litter, or nothing is working?
That is common, and no problem. Call us at 514 223-1197: our team can collect the sample at the clinic, often by cystocentesis (a fine needle guided into the bladder, a quick and well tolerated procedure), which is the best method when a urine culture is needed. Just keep your cat away from the litter box for a few hours before the appointment.
Your questions, our answers
The most common questions about collecting with Kit4Cat.
Is it a problem if a few litter granules end up in the urine?
How long can I leave the Kit4Cat litter in the box?
My cat is very particular. Can I add a little of its usual litter on top?
How long does the sample stay valid?
My cat urinated very little. Is that enough?
A fresh sample, and you are set
Pour the litter, let your cat do its thing, draw it up with the pipette, transfer, keep it cool, and bring it in quickly. If you run into trouble or your cat snubs the litter, call us: we have other ways to get a good sample.
See also
A question about collection?
Your cat refuses the litter, or you are unsure about the sample? Our team can guide you or collect it directly at the clinic.