An Investigation into the Effects of Storage on the Diagnosis of Crystalluria in Cats

Urinalysis was performed on 41 cats with no history of urinary tract disease. Samples were divided into aliquots, stored under differing condition and then examined for the presence of crystalluria. Crystalluria was detected in at least one stored sample in 92% of cats fed a mixed wet/dry food diet compared to 24% in the fresh sample. Crystalluria was not detected in any sample or aliquot from cats fed all wet food diets.