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
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Learn about veterinary dental care for your pet, including deep teeth cleaning procedures, which can help your dog or cat maintain proper dental health.
Headed outside? How you and your pets engage with nature can affect the environment, so here are some quick tips for reducing your pet's carbon paw print.
Learn the benefits soy beans can provide in pet food, including high sources of protein, fiber and vitamins.
Is giving someone a pet a good idea? It may seem like a wonderful idea, but important factors to consider and some tips for doing it the right way.
Discover how antioxidants fight against free radicals in your dog or cat's body, and why they are so important to your pet's diet.
Learn important signs & factors to consider when deciding if it's time to put a pet down, including severity of an illness, physical restrictions, & more.
Learn about important differences between dogs and cats, such as cost & space considerations. These factors can help you decide which pet is best for you.
If you're considering adopting dog or cat littermates, learn some insightful information that might you decide if adopting siblings is really a good idea.
Learn what kennel cough is and how to spot symptoms in your dog or cat, as well as how contagious it is and possible treatment options.
Even though avocados are healthy for humans, discover whether they're safe for dogs & cats (including details on potentially harmful ingredients for pets).
A gray cat and German shepherd dog lie beside each other on a white carpet
Learn the difference between oral vs. topical flea and tick medications so that you can decide which one might be most effective for your dog or cat.
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Use these 8 simple tips to ensure you and your pet are prepared and protected in times of natural disaster.
Pet food labels only give you a fraction of the nutritional info you need to know when choosing a pet food. Learn what other factors should you consider.
Knowing how to find a pet sitter who's right for you and your pet can be hard. Follow our tips to help you search for, evaluate and choose a great sitter.
Discover the benefits of dietary fats and fatty acids in your pet's food, and how they are important to the overall health of your pet.
Understand the importance of antioxidants in your dog or cat's food, and how they can help protect your pet and keep them healthy.
Should you microchip your pet? Learn how this technology works, what your pet can expect at the vet and other ways to keep track of your furry friend.
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
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.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool