Researchers from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, have developed a pioneering cat urine test kit designed for at-home detection of urinary tract diseases in cats. This kit screens for hematuria, which can signal conditions like kidney disease, gallstones (cholelithiasis), cystitis, and other urinary tract disorders.
Dr. Lunjakorn Amornkitbamrung, a postdoctoral fellow at Chula Faculty of Science and co-inventor of the kit, highlighted its potential to empower cat owners to monitor their pets’ health regularly. If signs of kidney disease, gallstones, or cystitis are detected, prompt veterinary intervention can be sought.
Funded by the National Research Council of Thailand, the project was developed under the ‘Thai Inventors, World Inventors’ pilot initiative by Dr. Amornkitbamrung and Dr. Kanet Wongravee, an associate professor at Chula Faculty of Science. The kit comprises a test strip and a liquid vial and involves simple steps for usage: mixing cat litter soaked with urine with the solution, dripping the solution onto the test strip, and waiting 5 to 10 minutes for the results.
Unlike invasive methods used by veterinarians, such as needle insertion into the bladder or catheterization, which can cause discomfort to cats, this urine test kit offers a non-invasive alternative. Dr. Amornkitbamrung emphasized that while the kit provides ease and painlessness, it currently detects hematuria indicative of stage 3 risks for kidney disease, gallstones, or cystitis. Positive results necessitate immediate veterinary consultation.
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease among older cats, affecting up to 40% of those over 10 years old and 81% over 15 years, underscores the importance of early detection. Feline idiopathic cystitis affects hundreds of thousands of cats annually in North America, presenting symptoms like increased urination and hematuria. Cholelithiasis, though rare in cats, can indicate underlying hepatobiliary conditions or biliary tract obstructions.
Future plans for the urine test kit include enhancing its sensitivity to detect lower levels of hematuria, enhancing its utility in proactive feline healthcare management.
