Body Condition Score Guide: Dogs and Cats

Vets use a body condition score (BCS) to judge whether a pet is a healthy weight. On the 9-point scale used in the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) charts, 1 to 3 is too thin, 4 to 5 is ideal and 6 to 9 is above ideal. At an ideal score you can feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, see a waist from above and a tummy tuck from the side. Ask your vet to score your pet and show you how.

How to Check at Home

Ribs: run your flat hands along your pet's sides. Can you feel the ribs easily, like the back of your hand?
Waist: look down from above. Is there a waist behind the ribs?
Tummy: look from the side. Does the belly tuck up behind the ribs?
Fat pads: feel over the lower back and base of the tail, and in cats the belly, for padding.

Long coats hide a lot, so use your hands. Then match what you find to the tables below. The descriptions are summarized from the WSAVA body condition score charts.

Dog Scores

Body condition scores for dogs (9-point scale)
Score	What you see and feel
1–3: too thin	Ribs, spine and hip bones easy to see or feel with little or no fat. Very obvious waist and tummy tuck. At 1 to 2, loss of muscle.
4: ideal	Ribs easy to feel with minimal fat covering. Waist easily seen from above. Tummy tuck clear.
5: ideal	Ribs can be felt without excess fat. Waist seen behind the ribs from above. Tummy tucked up from the side.
6: above ideal	Ribs felt under a slight excess of fat. Waist visible but not prominent. Tummy tuck still there.
7: above ideal	Ribs hard to feel under heavy fat. Fat over the lower back and base of the tail. Waist absent or barely visible.
8–9: well above ideal	Ribs can't be felt, or only with firm pressure. Heavy fat over the back, tail base, chest and neck. No waist or tummy tuck; belly may be swollen.

Cat Scores

Body condition scores for cats (9-point scale)
Score	What you see and feel
1–3: too thin	Ribs easy to feel (and see on shorthaired cats) with little or no fat. Spine obvious. Obvious waist; little or no belly fat.
4: ideal	Ribs felt with minimal fat covering. Noticeable waist. Slight tummy tuck. No belly fat pad.
5: ideal	Well proportioned. Waist seen behind the ribs. Ribs felt with a slight fat covering. Belly fat pad minimal.
6: above ideal	Ribs felt under slight excess fat. Waist and belly fat pad noticeable but not obvious. No tummy tuck.
7: above ideal	Ribs not easy to feel under moderate fat. Waist hard to see. Obviously rounded belly with a moderate fat pad.
8–9: well above ideal	Ribs can't be felt under heavy fat. No waist. Rounded belly with a large fat pad; fat over the lower back, and at 9 on the face and legs too.

Many cats have a loose flap of skin on the belly (the "primordial pouch") that swings when they walk. It isn't the same as a fat pad; your vet can show you the difference.

Weight-Tracking Kit

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A digital pet scale and a notebook make monthly weigh-ins and scores easy to track. A kitchen scale or measuring cup keeps portions accurate.

What to Do Next

Score 4 to 5: keep doing what you're doing, and check monthly.
Above 5: ask your vet to confirm the score and agree a slow, safe plan. Cats in particular must never be put on a crash diet.
Below 4: book a vet check, especially if your pet has lost weight without trying.

For weight-loss diets, supplements or any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Any sudden change in weight or appetite is a reason to see your vet.

For portions, treats and exercise, see pet weight and body condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What owners ask about body condition scores.

What is an ideal body condition score?

On the 9-point scale in the WSAVA charts, 4 to 5 is ideal for dogs and cats.

Is body condition score better than weight?

They work together. Weight shows change over time; the score shows whether that weight suits your pet's frame. Your vet uses both.

Some charts use a 5-point scale. Which is right?

Both are used. On a 5-point scale, 3 is ideal. Ask your vet which scale they use so you compare like with like.

How often should I check my pet's score?

About once a month at home, plus at every vet check-up.