Liz - while that is generally true, it is very easy to test a urine sample, they can collect a urine sample themselves from home, she doesn't need to go to the vet, all they need is a bag of Katkor. One from the bladder can be better, but as others have proved, sedation isnt always needed - Tom was only sedated once, and I suspect that was a lazy vet, as my vets had him there all day and got a urine sample without even using a needle, never mind sedation. By not even having a sample, they dont know if they are using the right antibiotics, or whether it is crystals and not cystitis, in which case they need a different approach. I am also surprised they haven't been told to change her diet - dry food only makes cats more prone to urinary issues, my vet bans it completely until they are completly free of cystitis, and I have to limit it in cats that are prone to it. If urinary issues are proved, Cystaid could also be a big help, as it helps soothe the lining of the bladder.