Elimination diet for cats

Itchy cat or sensitive stomach?

12 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.

12 weeks at a glance

What to expect when

  1. Week 1–4 Switch to IMBYAdd about 10% more IMBY every 2–3 days.
  2. Week 6–8 Itch fadesIn studies, over 80% of food-allergic cats improved by week 6, and over 90% by week 8.
  3. Week 12 Evaluate with your vetStill itchy? Ask your vet about the next step.
12 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

Two scores and a few counts are all you need to see the trend.

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

StoolIdeal: 2

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

Hard and dryWatery

  • Vomitingtimes per week
  • Groomingnew bald patches?
  • Litter boxnumber and size of clumps
  • Weightevery 2 weeks
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.

Transition & benefit timeline — adult sterilised cats

Days 1–14
Gradual dietary transition
Start with 10–20% IMBY mixed into current food.
Weeks 2–4
Digestive adaptation
The gut adapts to the new protein.
Weeks 4–8
Coat, skin & vitality improve
Complete nutrition for adult cats, including added taurine.
Weeks 8–12+
Long-term support
Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of the recipe, useful for ageing sterilised cats.
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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Why 12 weeks?

In studies, more than 80% of food-allergic cats improved within 6 weeks and over 90% within 8 weeks. Twelve weeks gives slower responders time too.

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 12 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.

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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