Vivitonin (Propentofylline) for Cats

Why it's a dog drug, what's known in cats, the safety gaps, and what to do about an older cat that's slowing down or seems confused.

By La Petite Labs Editorial 9 min read

As Seen On

Woman cuddling an orange-and-white cat and a silver tabby while holding a Hollywood Elixir box
Contents

Propentofylline (Vivitonin) isn't licensed for cats: every label we checked is for dogs only. Some vets have used it off-label in older cats at a small published amount, with mixed results. The only cat trials tested it in other diseases, not aging. An older cat that's lethargic or confused needs a vet workup first.

Here's what's known, the safety gaps, how it compares with selegiline, and what helps instead.

La Petite Labs publishes this guide and makes Hollywood Elixir, a supplement for cats and dogs. We don't sell propentofylline, and we're not affiliated with MSD Animal Health or any company named here.

Can cats take Vivitonin?

A vet can choose to give a cat propentofylline off-label, but Vivitonin isn't made or licensed for cats. The UK Vivitonin label lists dogs as the only target species, and so do the labels for Vitofyllin and Belgium's Karsivan.123

That means there's no cat dose on any label, no cat safety testing behind it and no cat-sized tablet. Any use in a cat is the vet's judgment, based on very little cat data.

Vivitonin for cats at a glance

What it is
A dog drug that increases blood flow, sold as Vivitonin, Karsivan and Vitofyllin
Licensed for cats?
No; the UK and EU labels we checked list dogs only
In the US?
Not FDA-approved; DailyMed lists no US label
Use in older cats
Off-label, for dullness or cognitive decline; mixed, anecdotal results
Published cat amount
12.5 mg per cat once daily, from expert reviews; your vet decides
Cat trials
Two small trials, in FIP and airway disease, not in aging
Better first step
A vet check for thyroid, kidney, blood pressure and pain problems

Propentofylline vs selegiline for older cats

Propentofylline (Vivitonin)Selegiline (Anipryl)
Licensed forDogs: dullness, lethargy, demeanour (UK, EU)Dogs: cognitive dysfunction (US)
US statusNot FDA-approvedFDA-approved for dogs; off-label in cats
Published cat amount12.5 mg per cat once daily0.25–1 mg/kg once daily
Cat evidenceAnecdotal for aging; small trials in FIP and airway diseaseSmall open trial and clinical reports
Key cautionsKidney failure and advanced heart disease in dogsSerotonin syndrome with tramadol and antidepressants

Competitor label and pricing facts checked November 11, 2026. Sources are listed in the References section below.

Woman kneeling with two long-haired tabby cats while holding a Hollywood Elixir box beside a food bowl

Is propentofylline licensed for cats?

No, not on any label we found. Vivitonin has been authorized for dogs in the UK since 1994, and other brands of the same drug are sold for dogs in many EU countries.12 A 2008 review by feline specialist Danielle Gunn-Moore noted that no drugs are licensed for cognitive dysfunction in cats.4

In the US, the drug isn't approved for any species. As of November 2026, DailyMed, the US government's database of drug labels, listed no propentofylline product.5

Woman exercising beside a tabby cat, with a Hollywood Elixir box and food bowl on a small table

Why do vets use propentofylline in older cats?

Vets have tried propentofylline in older cats because its dog labels target dullness and lethargy, the same things owners notice in aging cats. The UK label says it's for "improvement in dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour in dogs," especially older dogs.1 It increases blood flow, including to the brain, and raises the brain's oxygen supply.1

Feline reviews list it among drugs tried for cognitive dysfunction. A 2021 review of the condition names propentofylline alongside selegiline as a possible medication.6 A 2010 review called its use in cats anecdotal.7

Orange-and-white cat reaching toward a woman holding a Hollywood Elixir box while sitting in a chair

What does the research in cats show?

Only two controlled cat trials have tested propentofylline, and neither was about aging. In a 2011 double-blind trial of 23 cats with late-stage feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), cats on propentofylline survived no longer than cats on placebo: a median of about 8 days against 7.5. Quality of life didn't differ either.8

A 2010 trial in 19 cats with bronchial (airway) disease gave all cats low-dose prednisolone, and 10 of them propentofylline as well. The propentofylline group improved in breathing scores and chest X-rays and coughed less, while the prednisolone-only group didn't change significantly.9 That's a small study in a different disease, so it doesn't show the drug helps an aging cat.

Gray-haired man holding a Hollywood Elixir box while two cats rest beside him in an armchair

Does Vivitonin help cats with dementia?

There's no good evidence either way. Gunn-Moore's 2008 review said propentofylline has been used in cats with cognitive dysfunction "with varying degrees of success," and noted there were no published cat-specific treatment studies.4 A 2020 study of elderly cats with cognitive dysfunction repeated that description.10

Selegiline has slightly more behind it in cats: a small open trial and clinical reports, and a listing in the AAFP's feline senior care guidelines.411 Our selegiline for cats guide covers it in detail.

Every propentofylline label we checked is for dogs. A cat gets it only off-label, on a vet's judgment.

What dose of propentofylline do cats get?

No label gives a cat dose, so the only published amounts come from expert reviews. Gunn-Moore's 2008 review and a 2020 study both list 12.5 mg per cat by mouth once every 24 hours.410 The 2010 Landsberg review described the same amount as a quarter of a 50 mg tablet daily.7

Those are reported amounts, not a dose for your cat. The dog labels say to give the tablet at least 30 minutes before food and to reduce the dose in kidney failure.1 Your vet decides whether it fits your cat at all.

Tabby cat looking up at a Hollywood Elixir sachet held above it, with the product box on a small table

Is propentofylline safe for cats?

Propentofylline's safety in cats hasn't been properly studied. Neither cat trial's published summary reported side effects, but both were small and in sick cats.89 Cats handle many drugs differently from dogs and people, so dog safety data doesn't transfer automatically.12

The dog labels raise cautions that matter for older cats. In dogs, 80–90% of the drug leaves through the kidneys, and the dose is reduced in kidney failure.1 The drug also strengthens heart contractions, and the Karsivan leaflet rules it out for dogs with advanced cardiomyopathy.13 Tell your vet about any kidney or heart problem.

Hand gently petting an orange-and-white cat beside a food bowl and Hollywood Elixir box

What are the side effects of propentofylline in cats?

No one has published a list of side effects in cats. In dogs, the UK label lists rare vomiting, mostly at the start, and allergic reactions such as hives, each in 1 to 10 dogs per 10,000 treated.1 The Vitofyllin label also lists rare heart problems.2

Overdose in dogs causes signs of heart and brain overstimulation, and another label lists excitement, a fast heart rate and vomiting.12 The smallest dog tablet holds four times the amount reported for cats, so call your vet if your cat vomits, seems restless or breathes fast after a dose.

Man holding a Hollywood Elixir box beside a black cat, an orange tabby and a food bowl

Can I give my cat my dog's Vivitonin?

No, not without your vet's say-so. Vivitonin tablets come in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths for dogs, and the 100 mg tablet shouldn't be quartered.1 The amount reported in cats, 12.5 mg, is a quarter of the smaller tablet.7

Even at the right amount, a vet needs to check your cat first. Lethargy in an older cat often has another cause (chapter 10), and that cause may need different treatment.

Why is my older cat so lethargic?

An older cat that's slowing down usually has a reason a vet can find. Feline specialists list hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, dental disease, failing sight or hearing, and infections among the causes of behavior change in senior cats.4 Arthritis shows on X-rays in 70–90% of cats over 10 and is often missed.4

Feline guidelines call for blood pressure checks at every visit for cats over 10, plus regular blood and urine tests.11 See your vet before trying any drug.

The two controlled cat trials tested FIP and airway disease. Neither was about aging.

Woman holding a Hollywood Elixir box toward a brown cat perched on the back of a sofa

Why does my older cat seem confused?

Confusion in an older cat can be cognitive dysfunction, but only after other illnesses are ruled out. The signs are summed up as VISHDAAL: vocalization, changed interactions, sleep-wake changes, house soiling, disorientation, activity changes, anxiety, and learning and memory problems.13 Vets also use DISHAA, an older checklist from dogs that leaves out vocalization.1410

It's common. Around 28% of cats aged 11 to 14, and more than half of cats over 15, show at least one age-related behavior problem.4 VCA advises screening cats every year from age 10.13

Woman leaning toward a fluffy orange cat beside a Hollywood Elixir box and green food bowl

Can I get Vivitonin for my cat in the US?

Only through narrow routes, because propentofylline isn't FDA-approved. The FDA says it's illegal in most circumstances for individuals to import drugs for personal use. It may allow up to about a three-month supply for a serious condition with no effective US treatment, and the same criteria apply to animal drugs, with a letter from the treating vet.15

The other route is a compounding pharmacy. FDA's guidance GFI #256 describes when it generally won't take action against compounding animal drugs from bulk ingredients for pets, when no other medically appropriate treatment exists. Such drugs aren't FDA-approved.16

Tabby cat licking its nose beside a food bowl and Hollywood Elixir box

How does propentofylline compare with selegiline for cats?

Neither drug is licensed for cats, but selegiline has more cat-specific support. Here's how they compare.

Selegiline's cat amount comes from the 2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines, which suggest it if environmental changes haven't helped.11 It's an MAO inhibitor, so it mustn't be combined with tramadol, antidepressants and some other drugs.14 Our selegiline for cats guide has the full list.

What helps an older cat with low energy?

The steps with the best support are treating the cause, adjusting the home and feeding well. For cats with cognitive dysfunction, keep food, water, litter boxes and beds in the same places, and make any change slowly.4 Feline experts also suggest night-lights, low-sided litter boxes close by, and food, water and beds that are easy to reach.10

  • Daily stimulation: short play sessions, food puzzles and search games.7
  • Diet: in a study of cats aged 5.5 to 8.7 years, a diet with added antioxidants, arginine, B vitamins and fish oil improved scores on three of four cognitive tests.17
  • Anxiety and pain: gabapentin is used for these, not for memory; see our gabapentin for cats guide.1011

Our natural alternatives guide for cats covers food and supplements in more depth.

Is there an anti-aging drug for cats?

No. No drug is approved to slow aging or extend a cat's life. Loyal, a US company developing longevity drugs, lists programs for dogs only.18 Our Loyal for cats guide explains why the dog drugs don't carry over and which cat drugs are closest.

Propentofylline isn't one of them. It's a blood-flow drug licensed for dullness in dogs, not a longevity treatment.1

Tabby cat sitting at a table with a food bowl and Hollywood Elixir box

What does Vivitonin do in dogs?

In dogs, Vivitonin is licensed in the UK to improve dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour, and the label says it may increase older dogs' willingness to exercise.1 The UK label dose is half a 50 mg tablet per 5 kg of body weight twice a day.19

Even in dogs, a 2026 review calls its evidence for cognitive benefits limited.20 Our Vivitonin for dogs guide covers the dog evidence, dose and US access.

Woman cuddling a silver tabby and a cream-colored cat while holding a Hollywood Elixir box

What should I ask my vet about an older, slower cat?

  • Could thyroid disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure explain the change?
  • Could arthritis or dental pain be the reason my cat moves or plays less?
  • Is my cat's weight or muscle changing?
  • Are my cat's sight and hearing normal?
  • If it's cognitive dysfunction, what should we change at home first?
  • Is a drug such as selegiline or propentofylline appropriate, and how will we judge whether it's working?

Where daily nutrition fits

We make Hollywood Elixir, a daily nutrition powder for adult and senior dogs and cats. It's built around nicotinamide riboside, an NAD+ precursor, with CoQ10, glutathione and 14 more actives, and every active amount is printed on the label. It's a supplement, not a propentofylline substitute: it isn't designed to do what propentofylline does, and it hasn't been tested for lifespan. Its case is practical: one daily sachet stirred into food (half for pets under 7 lb, two for dogs over 30 lb) instead of a cupboard of separate supplements. If your cat takes propentofylline, check with your vet before adding it or any other supplement. See the full formula and serving guide.

An older cat that's slowing down usually has a reason a vet can find, and many of those reasons are treatable.

Educational content only. This material is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your cat’s specific needs. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Glossary

Propentofylline: a xanthine-derivative drug that increases blood flow, sold for dogs as Vivitonin, Karsivan and Vitofyllin.

Off-label (extra-label) use: giving a drug to a species or for a purpose its label doesn't list.

FIP: feline infectious peritonitis, a serious infectious disease of cats.

Feline cognitive dysfunction: age-related decline in a cat's thinking and behavior that another illness doesn't explain.

VISHDAAL: the checklist of cognitive dysfunction signs used for cats, starting with vocalization.

Related Reading

Aging & Senior Cat Guidance
• Cat Age Calculator: Cat Years to Human Years
• Cat Lifespan by Breed
• Lethargy in Cats
• Senior Cat Not Eating
• Cat Drinking A Lot
• Why Is My Senior Cat Withdrawn?

Healthy Aging Support
• NAD+ for Cats
• NMN for Cats
• Vitamins For Older Cats
• Senior Cat Food
• Longevity Drugs for Cats

References

Sources and further detail

  1. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (approved October 2025). *Vivitonin 100 mg tablets for dogs: summary of product characteristics*
  2. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (approved January 2023). *Vitofyllin 100 mg film-coated tablets for dogs: summary of product characteristics*
  3. Intervet International / Belgian FAMHP (October 2025). *Karsivan 50 mg tablets: package leaflet (German), BE-V144137*
  4. Gunn-Moore D. WSAVA World Congress Proceedings (2008). *Geriatric cats and cognitive dysfunction syndrome*
  5. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine (checked November 2026). *Search results for propentofylline*
  6. Sordo L, Gunn-Moore DA. *Veterinary Record* (2021). *Cognitive dysfunction in cats: update on neuropathological and behavioral changes plus clinical management*
  7. Landsberg GM, Denenberg S, Araujo JA. *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery* (2010). *Cognitive dysfunction in cats: a syndrome we used to dismiss as 'old age'*
  8. Fischer Y, Ritz S, Weber K, Sauter-Louis C, Hartmann K. *Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine* (2011). *Randomized, placebo controlled study of the effect of propentofylline on survival time and quality of life of cats with feline infectious peritonitis*
  9. Stursberg U, Zenker I, Hecht S, Hartmann K, Schulz BS. *Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association* (2010). *Use of propentofylline in feline bronchial disease: prospective, randomized, positive-controlled study*
  10. Černá P, Gardiner H, Sordo L et al. *Animals* (2020). *Potential causes of increased vocalisation in elderly cats with cognitive dysfunction syndrome as assessed by their owners*
  11. Ray M, Carney HC, Boynton B et al. *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery* (2021). *2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines*
  12. Court MH. *Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice* (2013). *Feline drug metabolism and disposition: pharmacokinetic evidence for species differences and molecular mechanisms*
  13. Lindell E, Horwitz D, Landsberg G. VCA Animal Hospitals (updated August 2026). *Behavior counseling: senior pet cognitive dysfunction*
  14. Dhaliwal R, Boynton E, Carrera-Justiz S et al. *Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association* (2023). *2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*
  15. FDA (2025). *Personal importation*
  16. FDA (August 2022). *CVM GFI #256: Compounding animal drugs from bulk drug substances*
  17. Pan Y, Araujo JA, Burrows J et al. *British Journal of Nutrition* (2013). *Cognitive enhancement in middle-aged and old cats with dietary supplementation with a nutrient blend containing fish oil, B vitamins, antioxidants and arginine*
  18. Loyal (checked November 2026). *Products in development*
  19. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (October 2025). *Vivitonin 50 mg tablets: label and package leaflet*
  20. Dondi M, Bianchi E, Borghetti P et al. *Animals* (2026). *Evidence-based clinical management of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome*
  21. BioCentury (3 March 2000). *Aventis ends propentofylline development*

FAQ

Is Vivitonin safe for cats with kidney disease?

It's uncertain. In dogs, most of the drug leaves through the kidneys, and the label says to reduce the dose in kidney failure, so a vet would need to weigh that carefully for a cat with kidney disease.

What is Vitofyllin for cats?

Vitofyllin is another brand of propentofylline, made for dogs. Its label lists dogs as the only target species, so using it in a cat is off-label.

Is Karsivan the same as Vivitonin?

Yes, both contain propentofylline from the same license holder, Intervet. Karsivan is the name used in some EU countries, and both are labeled for dogs.

Does propentofylline help cats with FIP?

Not in the one controlled trial. In 23 cats with late-stage FIP, survival and quality of life were no better on propentofylline than on placebo.

Can propentofylline help a cat with asthma or bronchitis?

One small trial in 19 cats with bronchial disease found that adding it to prednisolone improved breathing scores and X-rays. That's a single small study, so ask your vet whether it applies to your cat.

Is Vivitonin used in humans?

No. Propentofylline was tested in people with dementia, and its developer stopped work on it in 2000 after a disappointing trial. It isn't sold as a human medicine in the US.215

How long does propentofylline take to work in cats?

There's no cat data on timing. In dogs, the Belgian Karsivan leaflet says to continue treatment for at least 4 to 8 weeks.

What's the best treatment for an older cat that sleeps all day?

Finding the cause comes first, because thyroid disease, kidney disease, pain and other illnesses can all change an older cat's energy and behavior. Once those are treated or ruled out, home changes, diet and sometimes a drug such as selegiline are the next steps.

Orange-and-white cat beside a Hollywood Elixir box held in a person's hand

Discover LPL-01: How This Fits Into a Larger Feline Longevity System

Aging in cats unfolds quietly. It’s not driven by a single failure, but by gradual shifts across interconnected systems — cellular energy, oxidative balance, immune tone, and tissue integrity — each influencing the others over time.

This article explores one layer of that system. To understand what actually shapes long-term health, you need to step back and look at how these layers interact.

Start with the underlying science: