Laboratory Tests in Cats: The Key to Understanding Your Feline’s Health
As a cat owner, it’s essential to be proactive about your feline companion’s health. One of the most important ways to ensure your cat’s well-being is through regular veterinary visits, which often include laboratory tests. These tests provide invaluable insights into your cat’s internal health, helping to diagnose diseases, monitor ongoing conditions, and guide treatment decisions.
Laboratory tests can detect underlying health issues that may not be immediately visible, allowing for early intervention and better management of your cat’s health. Below, we will explore the different types of lab tests commonly performed on cats, what they can reveal, and how they contribute to your cat’s overall care.
1. Why Laboratory Test are crucial for cats
Cats are known for being masters at hiding illness, often masking symptoms until the condition becomes severe. Regular lab tests help our veterinarians uncover health problems before they become life-threatening. Lab tests are not only useful for diagnosing diseases but also for monitoring chronic conditions, managing treatments, and detecting infections or toxins.
Laboratory tests can assess various aspects of your cat’s health, including their organ function, immune system, hormonal levels, and overall metabolic state. These tests can provide crucial information, especially for senior cats or those with pre-existing health conditions that require ongoing management.
How is blood drawn from a cat? See our Cat Blood Draws page
2. common laboratory test for cats
1. Blood Tests
Blood tests are among the most common and essential lab tests used to assess a cat’s overall health. These tests measure a variety of parameters in your cat’s blood, including red and white blood cell counts, platelet levels, and the levels of various enzymes and proteins. Blood tests are crucial for diagnosing infections, anemia, liver disease, kidney disease, and many other health conditions.
Types of Blood Tests:
○ Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test evaluates the levels of different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC can reveal conditions such as anemia, infections, or blood cancers.
○ Blood Chemistry Panel: This test measures various chemicals in the blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and kidney function markers. It provides a snapshot of your cat’s organ function and overall metabolic state.
○ Thyroid Function Test: Thyroid hormone levels can be tested to diagnose conditions like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which are common in older cats.
What are some things Blood Tests Can Reveal:
○ Kidney or liver disease
○ Anemia or blood clotting disorders
○ Infections or inflammation
○ Diabetes or endocrine disorders
2. Urine Tests
Urinalysis is an essential part of diagnosing urinary tract problems and assessing kidney function in cats. Urine tests can help identify urinary infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary crystals. The test includes analyzing the appearance, pH, specific gravity, and chemical composition of the urine.
Other Types of Urine Tests:
○ Urine Culture: A urine culture is performed when a urinary tract infection is suspected. It helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines which antibiotics will be most effective.
○ Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio: This test measures protein levels in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney disease or other conditions.
What Urine Tests Can Reveal:
○ Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
○ Kidney dysfunction or failure
○ Diabetes (through the presence of glucose or ketones)
○ Crystals or bladder stones
3. Fecal Tests
Fecal tests are vital for detecting gastrointestinal issues in cats, such as parasitic infections or digestive problems. These tests help identify intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and giardia, which are common in cats.
Types of Fecal Tests:
○ Fecal Floatation: This is the most common test used to detect intestinal parasites. A small sample of stool is mixed with a solution to separate eggs or cysts from the fecal matter. The test can identify parasites that might not be visible to the naked eye.
○ Fecal Smear: In this test, a small amount of fecal material is smeared on a slide and examined under a microscope. This can help identify bacteria, yeast, or parasites that may not show up in a fecal float.
○ Fecal PCR Test: This test can detect DNA from parasites in the stool, allowing for the identification of specific organisms, such as protozoa, that may be difficult to diagnose with standard tests.
What Fecal Tests Can Reveal:
○ Intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, etc.)
○ Bacterial or viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract
○ Digestive disorders, such as malabsorption or inflammation
4. Biopsy and Cytology
Biopsies and cytology are laboratory tests that involve analyzing tissue samples from your cat’s body. A biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue from an organ or abnormal growth, while cytology involves examining cells collected from areas like the skin, lungs, or lymph nodes. These tests are critical for diagnosing cancers, infections, or inflammation in various organs or tissues.
Types of Biopsy and Cytology Tests:
○ Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small needle is used to collect cells from lumps or abnormal growths. The sample is then examined under a microscope to look for cancerous or inflammatory cells.
○ Excisional Biopsy: This involves the surgical removal of a tissue sample for examination, often used when a larger or deeper sample is needed.
○ Skin Cytology: A skin scraping or swab is examined to detect bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, or allergies.
What Biopsy and Cytology Can Reveal:
○ Cancerous growths or tumors
○ Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
○ Inflammatory conditions like dermatitis or granulomas
Conclusion
Laboratory tests are a vital part of veterinary care, providing valuable information that helps diagnose, monitor, and treat a variety of health conditions in cats. From blood and urine tests to biopsies and fecal testing, these tests offer insights that can help ensure your cat lives a long, healthy life.
If you notice any signs of illness in your cat, such as changes in appetite, behavior, or litter box habits, or if your cat is due for a routine wellness exam, your veterinarian may recommend laboratory testing to assess their health. Regular lab tests, along with a healthy diet, proper veterinary care, and plenty of love, will help keep your cat’s health in top condition.
By working closely with your veterinarian and staying informed about your cat’s health, you can ensure that they receive the best possible care and lead a happy, active life.
