How do I get a urine sample?!

[Marshpillow]

Took our boy to the vets for his annual vaccinations last week, and the bet noticed he was uncomfortable when she touched his kidneys, so wanted a urine sample to check if there's anything wrong.
She gave us non-absorbent litter to use, it's been down since Friday and he refuses to use his litter tray, and wants to be let outside to go instead (no cat flap, is let outside by us via a door/window)
I'm worried that there's something wrong and really want to get this sample, but he's really not happy about going in his tray (I'm thinking he doesn't like the litter as he'll use it any other time if he needs to). I've tried not letting him out to try to force him to use it but I feel like I'm being cruel so I cave in.
So, do I need to be a cruel mummy and keep him in until he uses his tray, or is there another way of getting this sample?
For info, we got him when he was 2 and was already housetrained, so I've never had to housetrain a cat before.

[cozietoesie]

I don't use the non-absorbent litter. I work from home so I can 'intercept' the pee flow with a strategically placed saucer - with minimal/no distress to Seniorboy. (It's actually the base of an antique coffee can set so a little smaller and deeper than a normal saucer - search your cupboards.)

He doesn't seem to mind in the least and then I just siphon it into the vial with a little pipette which the vet gives me. The vet loves his samples - they're so clean and ample.

Having said which, I have to be on the alert until I get it. Trying to tell him to go and pee would elicit nothing more than an old-fashioned look I suspect!

[Marshpillow]

Thank you I'll try to follow him this weekend and see if I can catch anything!

[cozietoesie]

Just slide the saucer (or whatever you use) under him - on a good litter bed, they usually pee at just the right angle to collect it. You might miss the first flow before you make it across there but that's no bad thing because he'll be committed to the deed. There will still be plenty left for the vial.

Good luck.

[uggmum]

I think the only way is to keep him in and wait it out.
Perhaps shut the litter tray and your cat in the same room with a comfy bed, water etc.
eventually he will wee.
The only alternative is to leave him at the vet they will put him in a cage with a litter tray until he has a wee.
It is frustrating. My cat is 21 and now prefers to avoid his litter tray and wee on the floor instead.

[cozietoesie]

PS - keep the clean saucer close to his tray though. If you have to go looking for it you won't be in time.

[Marshpillow]

Thank you all for replying, hopefully I'll get something!

[cozietoesie]

PPS - and don't assume you haven't got anything until you actually take the saucer out and have a look in the light. It can sometimes be quite clear and difficult to see if you have a strongly patterned receptacle. (I've made that mistake before now!)