There are several types of catheters but I'm assuming you mean urinary catheters. It is a device that is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to empty the bladder of urine, (the urine comes out through the tubing of the catheter and empties into a bag. Reusing catheters can be dangerous because of the risk of infection. Any bacteria, germs, etc. that touch or enter the tubing can travel up into the bladder and cause acute and chronic infections. Most people who reuse catheters have to be very careful and must dip the tubing and insertion device in boiling water prior to reusing and the risk is still greater than that with disposable catheters