Cat Body Condition Score

Assess your cat's body condition on the veterinary 1-9 scale by answering simple questions about your cat's physical appearance.

Can you feel the ribs?

Waist visible from above?

Belly tuck (side view)?

Fat pads near hind legs?

Results

Visualization

How It Works

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a 1-9 scale used by veterinarians worldwide to assess whether a pet is underweight, ideal, or overweight. A score of 1 means emaciated and 9 means morbidly obese. The ideal range is 4-5. Each point above 5 represents roughly 10% above ideal body weight. Key things to check: you should be able to feel (but not see) the ribs with gentle pressure, there should be a visible waist when viewed from above, and the belly should tuck up slightly when viewed from the side. Over 60% of cats in the US are classified as overweight or obese (BCS 6+), making weight management one of the most important aspects of cat health care.