What Does My Pet’s Body Score Mean?
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.
What is Body Condition Scoring?
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.
How are Body Condition Scores Measured?
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.
Classifications of body scoring:
• 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.
Tasty Tips
Can Body Scoring be Done at Home?
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.
Ways to Improve Body Scoring
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.
Related products
Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Related articles
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Understanding Sustainable Pet Food: How Your Pet's Food Impacts the Environment
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?
Learn why nutrients like antioxidants & amino acids can help improve your pet's immune system, as well as top antioxidants to look for in pet food.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
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.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
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.