Urine samples can be hard to obtain because these cats urinate as soon as urine fills the bladder due to the inflammation caused by the crystals. The FeLV and FIV status of all cats should be known, so these tests might be included also. This is a picture of a cats abdomen. It is laying on its right side and its head is towards the left. Compare it to the normal sized bladder below.
Urine samples can be useful.
This one shows that there is blood in the urine an no bacteria are noted. Many cats will get better without any therapy at all, usually within 7 days. For years these cats were treated with a food that acidified the urine. This acidification can be harmful though, especially in a cat with kidney disease. It can also predispose at cat to getting calcium oxalate bladder stones.