Body Condition Score for Cats

To measure Body Condition using this 9 point scale, you will need to examine your cat's body for fat deposits and bony landmarks.

BCS of 1 to 4 is Too Thin

BCS 1: Emaciated. Ribs visible on shorthaired cats; no palpable fat; severe abdominal tuck; lumbar vertebrae and wing of the illia easily palpated. Pictured at right.

BCS 2: Very Thin. Ribs easily visible on shorthaired cats; lumbar vertebrae obvious with minimal muscle mass; pronounced abdominal tuck; no palpable fat.

BCS 3: Thin. Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering; lumbar vertebrae obvious; obvious waist behind ribs; minimal abdominal fat. Pictured at right.

BCS 4. Underweight. Ribs palpable with minimal fat covering; noticeable waist behind ribs; slight abdominal tuck; abdominal fat pad absent.

BCS of 5 is Ideal

BSC 5: Ideal. Well proportioned; observe waist behind ribs; ribs palpable with slight fat covering; abdominal fat minimal. Pictured at right.

BCS of 6 to 7 is Overweight

BCS 6: Overweight. Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering; waist and abdominal fat pad distinguishable but not obvious; abdominal tuck absent.

BCS 7: Heavy. Ribs not easily palpated with moderate fat covering; waist poorly discernible; obvious rounding of abdomen; moderate abdominal fat pad. Pictured at right.

BCS of 8 or 9 is Obese

BCS 8: Obese. Ribs not palpable with excess fat covering; waist absent; obvious rounding of abdomen with prominent abdominal fat pad; fat deposits present over lumbar area.

BCS 9: Grossly Obese. Ribs not palpable and under a heavy fat cover; heavy fat deposits over lumbar area, face, and limbs; distention of abdomen with no waist; extensive abdominal fat deposits. Pictured at right.

This Body Condition System was developed and tested at the Purina Pet Care Center. Purina and Nestle are the owners of all trademarked information on this body condition scoring system and are the sources of both the text definitions of body condition and the corresponding images. We acknowledge and thank Purina and Nestle for creating and sharing this valuable tool. 

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