Elimination diet for cats

Itchy cat or sensitive stomach?

4 to 6 weeks on IMBY, and nothing else, tells you whether food is behind it.

Shop IMBY cat food
The signs

What food allergy looks like

Blood and skin tests can't reliably diagnose food allergy in cats. A strict elimination diet with IMBY can: insect protein your cat has never eaten.

  • Scratching head and neck
  • Over-grooming, bald patches
  • Vomiting more often
  • Soft stools

Most common culprits in cats

  • Beef
  • Fish
  • Chicken

Not eaten for 24 hours, straining in the litter box or blood in the urine? Go to your vet straight away.

Cat grooming itself in a grassy outdoor setting
4 to 6 weeks at a glance

What to expect and when

  1. Week 1–2 Switch to IMBYAdd about 10% more IMBY every 2–3 days. Picky cats may need longer.
  2. Week 4–6 Itch and stomach settleCats respond faster than dogs: in studies, over 80% of food-allergic cats improved within 6 weeks.
  3. Week 6 Evaluate with your vetNot clear yet? Your vet may extend the trial to 8 weeks.
4 to 6 weeks, nothing else

The house rules

One treat can reset the clock. Share this with everyone who feeds your cat.

Yes, during the diet

  • IMBY cat food
  • Fresh water
  • IMBY kibble as rewardsfrom the daily portion
  • Vet medicationunflavoured if possible
  • Indoorsif you can

Not for now

  • Tuna & fish treats
  • Milk
  • Leftovers
  • Flavoured pastes & tablets
  • Other pets' food
  • Hunting
Every week, same day

Score it weekly

A few counts and two scores, done the same way every week, show you the trend.

  1. Count the vomitingHow many times does your cat vomit each week?
  2. Check the groomingIs your cat over-grooming? Look for new bald patches.
  3. Check the litter boxNote the number and size of the clumps.
  4. Weigh your catEvery 2 weeks, on the same scale.

ItchingGoal: 0

  1. 0
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. 6
  8. 7
  9. 8
  10. 9
  11. 10

No scratchingNon-stop

Stool score (1–7)Ideal: 2–3

  1. Stool score 1: Hard, dry pellets1 Hard, dry pellets
  2. Stool score 2: Firm, segmented, easy to pick up2 Firm, segmented, easy to pick up
  3. Stool score 3: Log-shaped and moist, leaves a slight mark3 Log-shaped and moist, leaves a slight mark
  4. Stool score 4: Very moist log, loses its shape when picked up4 Very moist log, loses its shape when picked up
  5. Stool score 5: Very moist piles that still have a shape5 Very moist piles that still have a shape
  6. Stool score 6: Shapeless, some texture6 Shapeless, some texture
  7. Stool score 7: Watery, no texture7 Watery, no texture

Illustrated 1–7 stool chart. Our vets aim for a score between 2 and 3.

Fits the diet

IMBY cat food

Tap to see what to expect week by week.

A complete food for adult sterilised cats, made with insect protein.
Switch over in at least 14 days, longer for picky cats. Never let a cat go more than 24 hours without eating: risk of fatty liver disease.

What you may notice, with consistent daily use

Weeks 1–2
Switch over
Start with 10–20% IMBY and add about 10% every 2–3 days.
Weeks 2–4
Stools & vomiting
Watch stool score and vomiting while your cat adjusts.
Weeks 4–6
Itch
If food was the trigger, scratching and over-grooming usually ease.
Week 6
Evaluate
Compare scores and photos with week 0, together with your vet.
What to track
  • Food Intake (daily): Note if your cat is eating its full portion.
  • Body Weight (monthly): Sterilised cats are prone to weight gain.
  • Urination Frequency & Behaviour: Note straining, blood in urine, or frequent trips to the litter box — early signs of FLUTD.

IMBY Insect-Based Vitality Cat Food is a complete pet food for adult sterilised cats. Not formulated for kittens, pregnant or lactating queens — consult your vet.

View IMBY Insect-Based Vitality Cat Food
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Why only 4 to 6 weeks?

Cats respond faster than dogs. In studies, more than 80% of food-allergic cats improved within 6 weeks. If it isn't clear yet, your vet may extend the trial to 8 weeks.

My cat won't eat the new food. What now?

Go slower, warm the food slightly and offer small portions more often. If your cat refuses to eat for 24 hours, go back to the old food and contact your vet.

Can my cat still go outside?

Cats that roam often eat elsewhere: prey, neighbours' food, leftovers. If you can, keep your cat indoors during the diet.

My cat is still itchy after 6 weeks. Now what?

Talk to your vet. Itching in cats often has other causes too, such as fleas or an environmental allergy.

Need personalised support?

Our team of vets and animal health experts is available Monday–Friday, 9–5 CET. We aim to respond within 24 hours, usually faster.

Email info@curafyt.comRead customer reviews
Before & After Photo Contest

Get a free product

Snap clear before & after shots of your cat on IMBY and email them to info@curafyt.com. If we can see real progress, we'll send you a complimentary product of your choice.

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