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Urinary catheters help dogs and cats pee or collect urine. You must use clean tools and wash your hands each time. This helps stop infection and injury. More than half of pets can get infections from catheters. The risk goes up if the catheter stays in longer. Injury can happen if you use stiff catheters or put them in wrong. Get all your tools ready before you start. The table below lists main risks:
Risk Type | Details |
|---|---|
Infection | Over 50% chance, risk grows each day it stays |
Trauma | Caused by stiff catheters, wrong size, bad method |
Doing each step safely helps your pet get the best care.
Always wash your hands and use clean tools to stop infections when you put in or take care of catheters.
Pick the right catheter type and size to help your pet feel better and stop injuries.
Put catheters in slowly and gently. Stop if you feel any pushback to keep your pet's urethra safe.
Clean the area around the catheter every day. This helps your pet feel good and keeps infections away.
Look at the catheter and drainage bag often. Call your veterinarian if you see swelling, leaking, or if your pet acts different.
Urinary catheters help dogs and cats pee when they cannot. They can clear blockages or collect urine for tests. Catheters drain the bladder before surgery. They also help check urine output if your pet has kidney trouble or is dehydrated. Sometimes, catheters give medicine or contrast for imaging. Indwelling urinary catheters stay in place for long-term help. Pets may need them after spinal injury or if changing catheters often could hurt them.
Tip: If you do not know why your pet needs a catheter, ask your veterinarian. This helps you give the best care to your pet.
There are different kinds of urinary catheters. Each kind works best for certain needs. The material and shape can change comfort and risk of injury or infection.
Catheter Type | Description & Material | Specific Indications |
|---|---|---|
Foley catheter | Indwelling catheter with balloon | Used for indwelling urinary catheters; balloon inflated to keep it in the bladder; reduces need for stitches |
Polypropylene catheter (TomCat) | Stiff, plastic material | Good for short-term use, urine collection, or relieving blockages; not comfortable for long-term use |
Red rubber catheter | Soft, flexible rubber | Used in dogs and cats for short-term or intermittent use; less irritation than plastic |
Cystostomy catheter | Placed through belly wall | Used when you cannot place a catheter through the urethra or need long-term urinary diversion |
Foley catheters are used most often for indwelling urinary catheters. They have a balloon tip that keeps them inside the bladder. You fill the balloon with clean water. It stays in place and does not need stitches. Red rubber catheters are softer and cause less irritation. You use them for indwelling urinary catheters in dogs and cats. Polypropylene catheters, like TomCat, are stiff. They are used for quick jobs, like clearing a blockage or collecting urine. They are not good for long-term use because they can bother the urethra. Cystostomy catheters go through the belly wall. You use them when you cannot put a catheter through the urethra or need to move urine for a long time.
Note: The kind of catheter you pick changes comfort, injury risk, and infection risk. Foley and red rubber catheters are best for indwelling urinary catheters. They cause less irritation and fight infection better than plastic catheters.
You need the right tools before you start. Gather all supplies first so things go smoothly and safely. Here is a list of what you need:
Urinary catheter
Foley catheter (pick the right one for your pet)
Syringe
Bowl
Sterile lubricant
Catheter adapter
Scissors
Absorbent towel (put under the pet's penis or vulva)
Gloves (regular gloves work for most pets)
Trim extra fur around the prepuce or vulva. Clean the area with a weak antimicrobial skin solution. Flush inside the prepuce or vulva with the same solution. These steps help stop infection.
Tip: Always use the smallest catheter that fits. Smaller ones hurt less and cause less trauma.
Be gentle when you put in urinary catheters for male dogs. Follow these steps to keep your dog safe:
Wash your hands and put on gloves.
Pull the penis out from the prepuce. Lay the dog on his side.
Trim fur around the penis. Clean the tip and shaft with Betadine-soaked cotton balls. Use a new cotton ball each time.
Put sterile lubricant on the catheter tip.
Slowly put the catheter into the urinary opening. Do not push hard.
Keep going until you see urine come out. Stop if you feel resistance or spasms.
Only fill the balloon after urine comes out. Use clean water for the Foley catheter balloon.
Wash off extra Betadine from the penis.
Attach the drainage bag below the penis. Secure the catheter to the inner thigh with a leg strap.
Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
1 | Wash hands, gloves | Stops infection |
2 | Pull out penis, position dog | Easier to reach |
3 | Trim, clean | Less bacteria |
4 | Lubricate catheter | Less irritation |
5 | Insert gently | Stops trauma |
6 | Check for urine | Shows it is in place |
7 | Fill balloon | Holds Foley catheter in place |
8 | Wash Betadine | Stops skin problems |
9 | Attach bag, secure | Good drainage |
Never reuse cotton balls. Change the catheter if it gets dirty. Never force the catheter. If you feel resistance, stop and ask your veterinarian.
Female dogs need extra care when you put in a catheter. Be gentle to avoid hurting them.
Use the digital method. Put a gloved, lubricated finger into the vulva. Find the urethral opening. Guide the lubricated catheter under your finger into the bladder.
Sedate the dog to keep her calm. Lay her on her belly or side.
Clean the vulva with antiseptic. Use sterile gloves and lubricant.
If you cannot find the opening, use a vaginal speculum, otoscope, or laryngoscope to help.
For small breeds, use the blind technique. Lay the dog so the vulva faces up. Move the catheter along the bottom of the vagina.
Pick the right catheter type and size. Red rubber catheters are good for short-term use. Foley catheters are best for indwelling urinary catheters.
Lubricate the catheter well. Insert it gently. Do not push hard.
Make sure urine comes out. Secure the Foley catheter with stitches or glue if needed.
Note: Handle the catheter gently. If you feel resistance, stop and try again. Watch for bleeding or swelling.
Putting urinary catheters in male cats takes patience. You must not hurt the urethra.
Sedate or put the cat to sleep. Lay him on his left side. Hold his back legs.
Clip fur around the penis and prepuce. Clean the area with diluted chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine.
Gently pull out the penis. Do not pull hard.
Put lubricant on the catheter tip.
Put the catheter into the urethral opening. Go slowly. If you feel resistance, stop and check the angle.
Make sure urine comes out. Collect urine for tests.
If you need to flush out debris, use warm sterile saline.
For indwelling urinary catheters, switch to a flexible Foley catheter. Secure it to the tail base. Attach a closed urine collection system.
For short-term use, take out the catheter after draining the bladder.
Step | Action | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
1 | Sedate, position | Less stress |
2 | Clip, clean | Stops infection |
3 | Pull out penis | Stops trauma |
4 | Lubricate | Easier to put in |
5 | Insert gently | Stops injury |
6 | Check for urine | Shows it is in place |
7 | Flush if needed | Clears debris |
8 | Secure Foley catheter | Stops movement |
9 | Remove if short-term | Watch for problems |
Never force the catheter. Most cats get better after catheterization. Over 99% survive if treated fast.
Female cats need sedation for catheter placement. You must be gentle because their urethra is small.
Use the two-catheter technique. Put a bigger catheter into the vagina as a guide. Move a smaller Foley catheter next to it into the urethra.
Clean the vulva with antiseptic. Use sterile gloves and lubricant.
Lay the cat on her belly or back. Use gentle hands.
Make sure urine comes out. Keep the Foley catheter in for 3 to 5 days.
Give pain medicine and IV fluids. Watch for high potassium levels.
Use antibiotics and special diets to stop infection.
Tip: Female cats can be hard to catheterize. If you cannot put in the catheter, ask your veterinarian for help. Trying too many times can cause injury.
You play a big role in caring for urinary catheters. You help prevent infections and keep your pet comfortable. Always wash your hands before you touch the catheter or the leg bag. Wear clean gloves each time. You need to check the area around the catheter at least twice a day. Look for swelling, redness, or leaking. If you see any problems, call your healthcare provider right away.
Here are the best steps for daily catheter care:
Wash your hands well. Put on clean gloves.
Clean the area around the catheter every 12 to 24 hours. Use soap and water, gentle shampoo, or baby wipes.
After cleaning, flush the prepuce or vulva using a weak antiseptic solution. You can use diluted chlorhexidine or povidone iodine.
Use sterile gauze to clean the spot where the catheter enters the body. Alternate between antiseptic and sterile saline. Do this at least three times.
Make sure the leg bag and tubing stay below the bladder. This helps urine drain well.
Keep the leg bag and tubing free from kinks or twists. This stops blockages.
Keep your drainage bag closed and secure. Do not open it unless you need to change your drainage bags.
Tip: A closed system helps prevent infections. Only disconnect the catheter if your healthcare provider tells you to.
Good hygiene keeps your pet safe. You need to clean the insertion site every day. The American Animal Hospital Association says you should use sterile gauze and alternate between a dilute antiseptic and sterile saline. Scrub the area at least three times. Always wear sterile gloves. Clean the perineal area every 12 to 24 hours or more if it gets dirty. Use soap and water or baby wipes. After you clean, flush the prepuce or vestibule with antiseptic solution. This routine helps prevent urinary tract infection.
Cleaning Step | How Often | What to Use |
|---|---|---|
Insertion site | Every 24 hours | Sterile gauze, antiseptic, saline |
Perineal area | 12-24 hours | Soap, water, baby wipes |
Prepuce/vestibule | After cleaning | Dilute chlorhexidine or iodine |
Note: Always clean from the insertion site downward. This keeps bacteria away from the catheter.
You need to watch for signs of urinary tract infection. Catheters can cause irritation or let bacteria enter the bladder. Check your pet for these signs:
Frequent urination or straining
Blood or pus in the urine
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Fever or acting tired
Swelling or redness at the insertion site
If you see any of these, call your healthcare provider. Catheters can also cause irritation, so some blood or pus may not mean infection. If your pet has a fever or acts sick, call your healthcare provider right away. Catheters increase the risk of urinary tract infection in up to half of pets.
Call your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your pet's urination or behavior.
You can prevent most catheter problems by following good catheter care. Use soft catheters like silicone or Teflon. Avoid rigid types. Always use a closed collection system. Secure the catheter with tape, but do not make it too tight. Check the catheter and leg bag at least twice a day. Make sure the catheter does not kink or get blocked. Watch for swelling or leaking. If you see problems, call your healthcare provider.
Here are more tips to prevent complications:
Use a foley catheter for long-term use.
Give pain medicine or relaxants if your veterinarian recommends them.
Keep the leg bag below the bladder.
Monitor urine output. If the leg bag fills quickly or not at all, call your healthcare provider.
Change your drainage bags when they get full or dirty.
Complication | How to Prevent |
|---|---|
Infection | Clean daily, closed system |
Blockage/kinking | Check tubing, keep straight |
Dislodgement | Secure catheter, check tape |
Irritation | Use soft catheters, monitor |
Silver-coated catheters can lower infection risk by almost half. Ask your veterinarian if this is right for your pet.
You need to know how to change your drainage bag. This keeps your pet clean and helps prevent infections. Always wash your hands before you start. Wear clean gloves. Gather a new leg bag, alcohol wipes, and a clean towel.
Follow these steps:
Wash your hands and put on gloves.
Clamp the catheter tubing.
Remove the old leg bag. Do not touch the tip.
Clean the catheter tip with an alcohol wipe.
Attach the new leg bag. Make sure it clicks into place.
Unclamp the tubing.
Check for leaks.
Throw away the old bag and gloves. Wash your hands again.
Tip: Change your drainage bags when they are half full or every 24 hours. If you see leaks or the bag looks dirty, change it right away.
Keep your drainage bag below the level of the bladder at all times. This helps urine drain and prevents backflow. If you have questions about when to change your drainage bags, call your healthcare provider.
You help your pet stay safe by using the right catheter and caring for it every day. Clean hands and careful skin prep lower infection risk. You check the catheter and leg bag often. You watch for swelling, leaking, or pain. You use a soft catheter and keep the leg bag below the bladder. You change the leg bag when needed. You call your veterinarian if your pet cannot pee or the catheter leaks. Most pets do well when you follow these steps.
Key Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Clean hands | Stops germs |
Check catheter, leg bag | Finds problems early |
Use soft catheter | Less trauma |
Change leg bag | Prevents infection |
Call veterinarian | Solves issues fast |
You give your pet the best chance for a safe recovery by following these tips.
You can usually leave a urinary catheter in for three to five days. Your veterinarian may suggest a different time. Always check the site for swelling or redness.
Stay calm. Do not try to put the catheter back in. Cover the area with a clean towel. Call your veterinarian right away for help.
You should clean the area around the catheter every day. Use soap and water or baby wipes. Always wash your hands before and after you touch the catheter.
Yes, your pet can walk short distances. Keep the catheter and tubing secure. Watch for kinks or pulling. Use a soft collar if your pet tries to lick the area.
Look for these signs:
Blood or pus near the catheter
Swelling or redness
No urine in the bag
Your pet seems in pain
If you see any of these, call your veterinarian.
