Urinalysis evaluates urine concentration, chemistry, and sediment. It can add important context about hydration, kidneys, glucose, inflammation, crystals, and bleeding, but collection method and follow-up tests affect interpretation.
Written or medically reviewed by Dr. Susset Diaz Castillo, DVM, PhD. Last reviewed: 2026-08-28.
Quick Summary: Urinalysis evaluates urine concentration, chemistry, and sediment. It can add important context about hydration, kidneys, glucose, inflammation, crystals, and bleeding, but collection method and follow-up tests affect interpretation.
A urinalysis commonly includes urine specific gravity, a chemical strip, and microscopic sediment examination. Together these can show how concentrated the urine is and identify findings such as glucose, ketones, protein, blood, inflammatory cells, crystals, or casts. The test is interpreted alongside bloodwork, symptoms, medications, diet, and collection method.
Urinalysis can support evaluation of increased thirst or urination, urinary discomfort, house-soiling, kidney concerns, diabetes, some liver conditions, and pre-anesthetic health. It does not identify every urinary disorder, and bacteria or crystals seen in a sample do not always mean infection or stones.
A free-catch sample is convenient but can collect cells, debris, or bacteria from skin and the lower urinary tract. Catheterization or cystocentesis, in which a veterinarian collects urine directly from the bladder with a needle, may be recommended for a cleaner sample. Each method has benefits and limitations; the veterinarian chooses based on the patient and question.
If collecting at home, ask for instructions and a clean container. Note the collection time and refrigerate only if directed. Delays and temperature changes can alter cells, bacteria, crystals, and chemistry. Never substitute urine squeezed from absorbent litter or a soiled surface unless the veterinary team says it is acceptable for the intended test.
A urine culture checks whether clinically meaningful bacteria grow and which medications may be effective. It is particularly important when infection is uncertain, episodes recur, resistance is possible, or underlying disease raises risk. Protein findings may need a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio; crystals or blood may lead to imaging. Antibiotics should not be started solely from odor, color, or an unconfirmed home test.
Contact a veterinarian promptly for straining, frequent small urinations, blood, pain, new accidents, marked thirst, or reduced urine output. A cat—especially a male cat—repeatedly straining with little or no urine may have a life-threatening obstruction. Go to an emergency hospital immediately rather than waiting for a house call. Collapse, vomiting, severe weakness, or a painful distended abdomen also require urgent care.
VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is an appointment-based, non-emergency mobile veterinary practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County. When available and clinically appropriate, an in-home examination and selected diagnostics may be provided during an All-Included Visit. A standard All-Included Visit is $695 per pet and includes a $250 Medical Credit toward eligible laboratory testing performed during that visit. Same-day availability is not guaranteed, and pets needing emergency care, hospitalization, advanced imaging, surgery, or continuous monitoring require an appropriate facility.
This guide provides general education and cannot diagnose an individual pet or replace an examination by a veterinarian who has reviewed that pet's history.
It can identify findings that raise or lower suspicion, but a properly collected urine culture may be needed to confirm infection and guide treatment.
No. Crystals can be influenced by urine concentration, pH, diet, storage, and temperature. Imaging may be needed because some stones do not produce crystals and some crystals occur without stones.
As fresh as practical. Ask the veterinary team how to collect, store, and transport it because delay and temperature can change the result.
Dr. Susset Diaz Castillo, DVM, PhD is the veterinarian behind VestaSoul — My Vet At Home®. VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is a mobile veterinary house-call practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County. Learn more at Meet the Vet.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an in-person examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is showing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms — such as collapse, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, suspected poisoning, or an inability to urinate — go to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is an appointment-based, non-emergency practice and does not provide emergency or after-hours care.
VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is a mobile veterinary house-call practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County.