Comprehensive Guide to Recommended Products and Selection Criteria for Feline Ureteral Bypass (SUB) Care

UrinaryTop PicksMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to recommended products and care methods for effective post-operative management after a feline ureteral bypass surgery (SUB). This information will help you work with your veterinarian to develop a tailored care plan for your cat.

What is Feline Ureteral Bypass (SUB) Surgery?

Anatomical diagram of a feline ureteral bypass (SUB) procedure, showing a catheter connecting the ureter to the kidney

Subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) surgery is a procedure that protects the kidneys by creating a direct connection between the kidneys and the bladder, bypassing a blocked ureter that could otherwise cause dangerous pressure buildup in the kidneys. This is achieved by implanting a port under the skin and connecting catheters from the kidneys to the bladder, allowing urine to flow directly into the bladder without passing through the obstructed ureter. This surgery plays a crucial role in preventing kidney damage or acute kidney injury caused by urinary tract obstruction. However, post-operative care is essential, as potential complications include catheter or port blockages, displacement, infections, or urine leakage around the device. Therefore, strict aseptic hygiene and regular check-ups are vital. It is also important to work with your veterinarian to develop a customized care plan. While this life-saving treatment offers significant benefits, it requires ongoing management and regular veterinary examinations even after surgery.

Criteria for Selecting the Best SUB Care Products

When caring for a cat after ureteral bypass surgery, safety and convenience are the top priorities. Always consult your veterinarian to select a product tailored to your cat’s specific needs. Be sure to check the following criteria:

Durable materials: The catheter should be resistant to accidental dislodgement or damage.

Appropriate drainage bag capacity: Choose a bag with sufficient volume to accommodate your cat’s daily urine output.

Secure fixation tape: The tape must hold firmly to prevent the cat from scratching at or removing the device.

Transparent drainage bag: The bag should be clear enough to easily monitor urine color and volume.

Mobility-friendly design: A lightweight design is ideal to allow your cat to move freely and comfortably.

Feline urethral bypass (SUB) management kit, including transparent drainage bag and fixation tape

BEST 1: Premium SUB Care Kit (High-End)

This product features a durable silicone catheter and a transparent drainage bag. The securing tape is gentle on the skin and provides strong adhesion to prevent accidental dislodgement, even if your cat scratches at it. The drainage bag is sized to accommodate daily urine output and can be replaced regularly as needed. As a veterinarian-recommended product, it is designed for stability during long-term use.

Pros: Excellent durability, minimal skin irritation, strong adhesion

Cons: Relatively high price

Recommended for: Cats requiring long-term care

Premium Feline Urethral Bypass (SUB) Care Kit, featuring a large-capacity drainage bag and reinforced fixation tape

BEST 2: Economical SUB Care Kit (Basic)

This is a cost-effective product that offers excellent performance for its price. It includes a silicone catheter and a clear drainage bag with an appropriate capacity. The securing tape is made from skin-friendly materials, minimizing irritation and making it easy to replace. Designed for regular replacement when needed, it is suitable for everyday care.

Pros: Affordable, easy to replace, minimal skin irritation

Cons: Limited capacity; durability may be a concern with long-term use

Recommended for: Short-term care or when budget is limited

Economy Feline Urethral Bypass (SUB) Management Kit, featuring a medium-sized drainage bag and gentle fixation tape.

BEST 3: Portable SUB Care Kit (Travel-Friendly)

This portable product is convenient for outings or vet visits. It includes a small drainage bag and a lightweight catheter, designed to fit easily into a carry pouch for hassle-free transport. The securing tape allows for quick application and removal, making it ideal for short trips or brief external use.

Pros: Excellent portability, convenient for travel, quick changes possible

Cons: Small capacity may not be suitable for long-term use

Recommended for: Cats who go out frequently or require regular vet visits

Portable feline urethral bypass surgery (SUB) care kit, including a small drainage bag and a travel bag

Comparison Table of BEST 1–3 Products

Item	Premium Type	Economy Type	Portable Type
Drainage Bag Capacity	Capacity matched to daily urine output	Standard capacity	Small capacity
Catheter Material	Durable silicone	Silicone	Lightweight silicone
Securing Tape Performance	Strong hold, skin-friendly	Skin-friendly	Quick attachment/removal
Price Range	High	Low	Medium
Recommended Duration of Use	Long-term use	Short-term/daily	For travel

Choose according to the duration of use and situation after consulting with a veterinarian.

Caution: If the Catheter Becomes Dislodged or the Drainage Bag Tears

If the catheter becomes dislodged or the drainage bag tears, contact your veterinarian immediately. Urine contact with the skin can lead to inflammation or infection. This is an emergency, so a visit to the clinic is essential.

SUB Care Tips and Checkpoints

Regular care is essential to maintaining your cat’s health. Please be sure to check the following points.

Drainage bag replacement schedule: Replace the bag when it is full or at the recommended interval. The frequency may vary depending on your cat’s condition and urine output.

Skin inspection: If the skin around the catheter appears red or swollen, it may indicate infection or irritation, so prompt evaluation is necessary.

Urine color check: Abnormal changes such as dark yellow, bloody, or cloudy urine may suggest kidney issues.

Monitoring your cat’s behavior: Loss of appetite, weakness, or collapse can be emergency signs. Consult your veterinarian immediately.

Keep up with veterinary visits: Regular check-ups are needed to assess the catheter’s condition and your cat’s overall health.

Checklist for managing feline urethral bypass surgery (SUB), including icons for key inspection items

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a subcutaneous catheter be used?

The duration a catheter can be used depends on your cat’s condition, whether any complications arise, and if the device becomes damaged. Generally, you should consult with your veterinarian for regular check-ups to determine whether it should remain in place. With long-term use, there is a risk of blockage or reduced function due to stone formation, so careful monitoring is essential.

Can I replace the catheter at home?

Because a SUB is an implant placed beneath the skin, you cannot replace the catheter or port at home. If the device becomes clogged or damaged, a veterinarian must perform the replacement through a sterile procedure or surgery. At home, proper care focuses on monitoring rather than replacement: observe the skin around the port and track your pet’s urine output and color, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any abnormalities.

Why does the drainage bag smell even when it’s empty?

Urine may not flow properly and can pool in one area. Since there is a risk of catheter blockage or displacement, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately for evaluation.

My cat is trying to pull out the catheter. What should I do?

The SUB device is implanted under the skin, so your cat can’t easily remove it on its own. However, licking or scratching the port or surgical site can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. In such cases, fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to protect the area, and regularly check for redness or swelling. If your cat continues to irritate the site, consult your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate protective measures.

My cat is acting differently than usual after spay surgery.

Pain, anxiety, and stress can cause changes in behavior. A veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s condition during a consultation and prescribe pain relievers or other medications as needed.

Top 5 Recommended Feline Urinary Supplements for 2026 — A Complete Guide to Veterinary Selection Criteria

Top 5 Prescription Diets for Feline FLUTD — Comparison by Struvite and Calcium Oxalate Stones

Top 5 Prescription Urinary Diets for Dogs — Food for Stone Prevention and Management

Top 5 Omega-3 Fish Oil Recommendations for Dogs — EPA and DHA Content Comparison

Top 5 Cat Diarrhea Recovery Foods — Hydrolyzed Protein Prescription Diet Comparison

Top 5 Grain-Free Cat Foods for Sensitive Stomachs — Selection Criteria to Reduce Digestive Troubles

Top 5 High-Fiber Hairball Care Cat Foods — A Dietary Fiber Guide to Reducing Hairballs and Supporting Gut Health

Top 5 Single-Protein Dog Food Recommendations (Rabbit/Fish) — For Allergy Diagnosis

Top 5 High-Fiber Dog Foods for Anal Gland Care — Selection Criteria and Feeding Tips Pet Parents Must Know

Top 5 Prescription Recovery Diets for Dogs After Vomiting — A Comparison Guide for Easily Digestible Options

References

[1] Berent, A.C. (2011). Ureteral obstructions in dogs and cats: a review of traditional and new interventional diagnostic and therapeutic options. J. Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care, 21(3), 245–256.

[2] Kruger, J., Osborne, C., Goyal, S. et al. (1991). Clinical evaluation of cats with lower urinary tract disease. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 199(2), 211–216.

[3] Feline Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Ed. (2011). Chapter 12: Ureteral Obstruction Management. Elsevier Health Sciences.