Analysis and Culture Results of Spontaneously Voided Urine Samples in Cats: An Observational Study

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting healthy cats for a clinical research trial. 

Enrollment Criteria: Currently Enrolling

• Inclusion Criteria: Your pet is a healthy cat, >6 months of age, without any medical conditions that predispose them to a bacterial urinary tract infections.
  
• Treatment: Once enrolled in the trial, you will pick up a urine collection kit from UF Primary Care and Dentistry Service. this kit will contain: 5-ounces of non-absorbent substrate (PlastiPearls) in a sterile cup, 1 sterile 6-mL syringe, syringe cap, and a resealable plastic bag. You will need to be available to monitor your cat using the litterbox with the non-absorbent substrate, once they have used the litterbox, you will use your collection kit to collect sample, and return the sample to UF Primary Care and Dentistry within 24 hours.
  
• Cost: This study will cover the costs of the urine collection kit, the urinalysis, and urine culture.
  
• Contact: Please complete the Study Interest Form for more information.
  
• PI: Dr. Griffin and Dr. Mandese

Background: Urine analysis is a common and important test performed on a daily basis in a small animal general practice setting. It is an important tool in diagnosing and treating many disease processes, and is the primary diagnostic tool used to evaluate for bacterial urinary tract infection in cats presenting with urinary signs. An alternative method for urine collection in cats involves substituting standard absorbent litter with a non-absorbable, pelleted litter, so that urine can be collected from the litter box after a spontaneous voiding. The goal of this study is to evaluate the degree of bacterial contamination in spontaneously voided feline urine samples using a non-absorbable, pelleted substrate in lieu of standard absorbable cat litter. These samples will be collected at home by the owners and returned to UF SAH for evaluation.