Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
Learn the scientific reasons why we have such strong connections with our pets, and what science says about the love between humans and our furry friends.
Learn more about littermate syndrome in dogs and cats and how to successfully navigate adoption and early socialization processes.
Keeping your pet at an ideal weight is an important way to stay a step ahead of potential health issues. Of course, gradual changes in weight can be difficult to notice over time, which is why performing a simple body condition score (BCS) test once in a while can help you assess your pet’s weight needs before it’s too late.
Body Condition Scoring helps determine if a pet's growth rate and feeding amounts are correct. Monitoring growth and weight can help prevent obesity or help you spot drastic weight loss before the signs are too far gone.
At each visit, your veterinarian will weigh your pet. Your pet's body condition may be rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 meaning very thin and 5 meaning obese. If necessary, your vet can help you adjust the amount of food you are offering to help your kitten achieve an optimal BCS of 3.
• 5 – Obese
A thick layer of fat makes your pet’s ribs very difficult to find. Bonier areas like the knees are covered by a moderate to think layer of fat.
• 4 – Overweight
The ribs and bonier areas are difficult to feel with a thick layer of fat.
• 3 – Ideal
You can easily feel your pet’s ribs, but there is a slight layer of fat covering them. Bony prominences also have just a slight layer of fat.
• 2 – Underweight
Little fat is covering the ribs, and they are visible without having to touch your pet.
• 1 – Very Thin
There is no fat around your pet’s ribs, and they are visible to the eye. Bony prominences are also visible with no sign of fat.
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
Once you are familiar with the differences along the BCS scale, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to perform your own BCS tests at home between veterinary visits.
If you notice that your pet is losing weight – and you’re feeding the recommended amount – you may want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can. Weight loss can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. Generally, weight gain is a simple matter of your pet eating too many calories without enough exercise. If you notice your pet is gaining fat, you may want to ask your vet about feeding amounts, opportunities for extra playtime, or possibly a change in their pet food.
Visit PetFit.com for tips on learning to exercise properly. Also, browse Kitten Nutrition and Feeding articles to learn more about the right food for your kitten to maintain a healthy weight.
Browse Hill’s kitten foods to discover the right nutrition for your kitten to maintain a healthy weight.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Learn more about littermate syndrome in dogs and cats and how to successfully navigate adoption and early socialization processes.
Understanding how to train puppies and kittens starts with understanding their differences. Discover tips for training success for puppies vs. kittens.
An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
Learn the scientific reasons why we have such strong connections with our pets, and what science says about the love between humans and our furry friends.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.