Idea Exchange: Getting a free-catch sample: two pans and a plan

To get a free-catch urine sample from a cat when you don't need a sterile sample, drill holes in a plastic litter pan, and nest that litter pan inside a normal litter box. When the cat eliminates, the urine will drain into the lower box, where the cat is less likely to spill or contaminate the sample. Afterward, the litter box and pan can be disinfected and reused.

Linda K. Watson, RVT

San Jose, Calif.