Proin for Cats: A Medication for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a rare condition that occurs when a cat cannot control their bladder. Incontinence results in a cat leaking urine, usually while they are resting. To control urinary incontinence, veterinarians may prescribe Proin (phenylpropanolamine). 

If your cat is prescribed Proin, here’s what you need to know.

Proin for cats at a glance

What is Proin for cats, and how does it work?

Proin is used in cats to control urinary incontinence due to a weak urethral sphincter. Proin stops urine from leaking by tightening the urethral sphincter muscles. 

In normal, healthy animals, urine is kept in the bladder by a closed urethral sphincter that only opens when the cat is actively urinating. In some cats, the tightness of the urethral sphincter can weaken with age, which results in leaking urine. 

The active ingredient in Proin for cats is phenylpropanolamine, or PPA for short. In cats, PPA stops incontinence by increasing tone in the muscles of the urethra, urethral sphincter, and neck of the bladder. This closes the urethral sphincter and prevents urine from leaking except for when the cat actively urinates. 

Because of the way it works, Proin is not effective in cats that are incontinent due to a neurological condition, anatomical malformations, or other urinary tract disorders. 

While Proin is FDA approved for use in dogs, it is not FDA approved for use in cats. However, it can still be prescribed to cats “off-label” if your veterinarian thinks it will help.

How is Proin given for cats?

Proin is available in tablet and oral liquid forms. It is generally given twice daily. Your veterinarian will determine the dosage of Proin that is safe and effective for your cat. 

Store the medication at room temperature, and avoid prolonged exposure to light, which can make Proin less effective.

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Proin can take several days to a week to stop urine leaks. If you are not seeing results within 1 week of starting the medication, call your veterinarian for advice. Do not increase the dose if your cat is still leaking urine.

There are certain extended release formulations of Proin for use in dogs. Don’t use these in cats.

What are the common side effects of Proin in cats?

When given appropriately, most cats don’t have many side effects with Proin. The most common side effects of Proin in cats include: 

• Restlessness

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Increased thirst

• Loss of appetite

• Anxiety

• Agitation

• Irritability

• Difficulty urinating

• Holding urine

If you notice these side effects in your cat after starting treatment with Proin, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Proin is considered a short-acting medication. So any side effects should disappear within 24 to 48 hours after stopping it. But it may take longer in cats that have liver or kidney disease.

What are the most serious risks of Proin for cats?

The most serious risks of Proin are typically related to its effects on the cardiovascular system. These risks are more common in cats that are sensitive to the medication or cats who received an overdose of Proin. These symptoms can include:

• Increased resting heart rate

• High blood pressure

• Incoordination

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

• Increased body temperature

• Tremors or seizures

• Collapse

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, stop giving the medication and take them to your local veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Because Proin can increase heart rate and blood pressure, do not give it to cats that have been diagnosed with the following conditions:

• Hyperthyroidism

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Glaucoma

• Kidney disease

Proin has not been studied for safety in pregnant or lactating cats, and should not be used in these animals. 

Does Proin interact with any other cat medications?

Don’t give Proin to cats that are taking L-Deprenyl (Anipryl, selegiline) due to effects on blood pressure. 

Proin can interact with several medications. Use it with caution in cats receiving the following medications:

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Amitraz (Mitaban)

• MAO inhibitors

• Anesthesia medications

Before your cat is prescribed Proin, tell your veterinarian about any other medications or supplements that your cat takes.

What should you do if your cat misses a dose of Proin?

If you miss giving your cat a dose of Proin, give the next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time that the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and resume your cat’s normal dosing schedule. Never give double doses of Proin to catch up. 

If you miss a dose, the medication may lose effectiveness and your cat may dribble urine. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ

Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, is a well-known international influencer in the veterinary and animal healthcare spaces. She has 16 years of experience in private practice and more than 15 years experience in veterinary media work.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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