Veterinarians often use a 9 point scoring system to evaluate the
body condition of pets. A point value of 1 means the cat is
extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of 9 means the pet is
grossly overweight. And like Goldilocks and the three bears, a score
of 5 is 'just right.' To determine body score, there are several
specific areas of the cat we look at. Remember, these are
guidelines.
NOTE: We have included some illustrations at the
end of this article which depict the contours of various body
scores.
To perform the rating, we first feel the cat's ribs. We should be
able to quite easily feel the ribs. There should be a slight amount
of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. If you can see
the ribs, the pet is too thin. If you can not feel them at all, the
pet is very overweight.
Second, check the area near the base of the tail. There should be
a slight fat covering over this area and it should feel smooth. If
the bones protrude, the pet is too thin; if you can not feel any
bones at all, the pet is very overweight.
Third, feel other bony prominences on the pet's body such as the
spine, shoulders, and hips. Again, you should be able to feel a
small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt
or visible, the cat is too thin. If you can not feel the bones
beneath the layer of fat, the animal is obviously overweight.
Fourth, look at your cat from above. The animal should have a
definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme, or again,
bony prominences are visible, the animal is too thin. If there is no
waist, or worse yet, the area between the ribs and hips is wider
than the hips or ribs, the cat is grossly overweight.
Fifth, look at the cat from the side. Cats should have an
abdominal tuck, i.e., the area behind the ribs should be smaller in
diameter than the chest. An animal who is too thin will have a very
severe abdominal tuck. Overweight animals will have no abdominal
tuck.
If you feel your cat is overweight, consult your veterinarian to
determine if there are any other medical problems before starting
the animal on a weight reduction program. Your veterinarian can also
suggest various diets, how fast your pet should lose weight, etc.
(Overweight cats can become severely ill if their diet is too
restricted.)
