Use and misuse of indwelling urethral catheters

Because indwelling urethral catheterization is potentially detrimental, especially when it leads to urinary tract infection, indwelling urinary catheters must not be used indiscriminately. Appropriate use of indwelling catheters in recently obstructed cats is accomplished by identifying which cats are likely to experience repeated obstruction if such catheterization is not performed. When indwelling catheters are used, precautions must be taken to minimize the occurrence and severity of catheter-associated complications. Following catheter removal, which should be done as soon as possible, urine culture results should be used to verify absence of infection or to guide treatment when infection is detected.