How to put in a urinary catheter for a cat?

How to put in a urinary catheter for a cat? - briefly

To insert a urinary catheter into a cat, first ensure you have all necessary equipment: a sterile catheter, lubricant, and gloves. Gently insert the catheter into the urethra until urine begins to flow, then secure it in place with adhesive tape.

How to put in a urinary catheter for a cat? - in detail

Inserting a urinary catheter into a cat requires careful preparation, precision, and patience. This procedure is typically performed by a veterinarian or under their supervision due to its delicate nature and potential risks. Here’s a step-by-step guide detailing how to insert a urinary catheter for a cat:

First, gather all necessary equipment:

  • Sterile gloves
  • Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)
  • Sterile lubricant
  • Catheter (ensure it is the correct size for your cat; typically 3.5-5 French)
  • Syringe
  • Towels
  • Warm water or saline solution

Before starting, ensure that you have a comfortable and well-lit workspace where you can safely restrain the cat without causing stress. It’s often helpful to have an assistant to help manage the cat during the procedure.

  1. Preparation:

    • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
    • Put on sterile gloves.
    • Prepare a clean, flat surface covered with towels for the cat to lie on.

  2. Sedation:

    • If necessary, sedate the cat using medication prescribed by your veterinarian. This will help reduce stress and movement during the procedure.

  3. Positioning:

    • Gently place the cat in a dorsal recumbent position (on its back) with the tail towards you.
    • Ensure the area is clean and well-lit.

  4. Cleaning and Preparation of the Area:

    • Using cotton swabs or gauze, thoroughly clean the perineal area around the urethral opening with an antiseptic solution. Begin from the tail towards the genital area to avoid contaminating the cleaned region.
    • Allow the area to dry completely.

  5. Lubrication:

    • Apply a small amount of sterile lubricant to the tip and along the length of the catheter. This will facilitate easier insertion and reduce discomfort for the cat.

  6. Insertion:

    • Gently lift the tail and locate the urethral opening. It is typically located at the base of the penis in male cats or just below the vulva in female cats.
    • Slowly and carefully insert the tip of the catheter into the urethral opening, applying gentle pressure. Be cautious not to force the catheter if you encounter resistance.

  7. Advancing the Catheter:

    • Gradually advance the catheter a few millimeters at a time. If you feel any resistance or discomfort from the cat, stop and reassess your position. Forcing the catheter can cause injury to the urethra.
    • In female cats, the urethral opening is often more challenging to find and may require a steady hand and patience.

  8. Flushing:

    • Once the catheter is fully inserted, attach a syringe filled with warm water or saline solution.
    • Slowly inject the fluid into the bladder while gently applying pressure on the syringe plunger to help dilate the urethra and facilitate urine flow.

  9. Drainage:

    • Allow the catheter to remain in place for a few minutes to allow the bladder to fully empty. This may require some patience as the process can take several minutes.

  10. Removal:

    • Gently remove the catheter by slowly pulling it out while applying slight pressure on the syringe plunger to help maintain patency of the urethra.
    • Dispose of the used catheter and syringe appropriately.

  11. Post-Procedure Care:

    • Monitor the cat for any signs of discomfort, bleeding, or difficulty urinating post-procedure.
    • Keep the cat warm and comfortable, allowing it to rest after the procedure.
    • Offer water but avoid feeding immediately after the procedure to reduce stress on the bladder.

If at any point during the procedure you encounter resistance, discomfort, or difficulty, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance. They can provide professional advice tailored to your cat’s specific needs and health condition.