Body Condition Score Chart (Dog & Cat)

The 9-point scale, explained

Dogs: body condition score

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese
  1. 1EmaciatedRibs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences visible from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass.
  2. 2Very thinRibs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones easily visible. No palpable fat. Some other bony prominences visible. Minimal loss of muscle mass.
  3. 3ThinRibs easily felt and may be visible, with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
  4. 4Lean idealRibs easily felt with minimal fat covering. Waist easily seen from above. Abdominal tuck evident.
  5. 5IdealRibs felt without excess fat covering. Waist seen behind the ribs from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from the side.
  6. 6OverweightRibs felt with slight excess fat covering. Waist visible from above but not prominent. Abdominal tuck apparent.
  7. 7HeavyRibs felt only with difficulty under heavy fat. Noticeable fat over the lower back and tail base. Waist absent or barely visible. Tuck may be present.
  8. 8ObeseRibs not felt under very heavy fat, or only with firm pressure. Heavy fat over the lower back and tail base. No waist or tuck. Belly may be distended.
  9. 9Severely obeseMassive fat deposits over the chest, spine, and tail base. No waist or tuck. Fat deposits on the neck and limbs. Obvious abdominal distension.
  1. 1Feel the ribsFlat hand along the chest: ribs should be easy to feel under a thin layer.
  2. 2Look from aboveYou should see an hourglass waist behind the ribs.
  3. 3Look from the sideThe belly should tuck up between the ribs and hind legs.
Body Condition Score Chart (Dog & Cat) continued

Cats: body condition score

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese
  1. 1EmaciatedRibs visible on shorthaired cats. No palpable fat. Severe abdominal tuck. Lumbar vertebrae and hip bones easily felt.
  2. 2Very thinBetween 1 and 3: ribs easily visible, very little fat, marked tuck.
  3. 3ThinRibs easily felt with minimal fat covering. Lumbar vertebrae obvious. Obvious waist behind the ribs. Minimal abdominal fat.
  4. 4LeanBetween 3 and 5: ribs easily felt with a thin fat layer, clear waist.
  5. 5IdealWell proportioned. Waist visible behind the ribs. Ribs felt with a slight fat covering. Abdominal fat pad minimal.
  6. 6OverweightBetween 5 and 7: ribs felt with slight excess fat, waist less distinct.
  7. 7HeavyRibs not easily felt under moderate fat. Waist poorly discernible. Obvious rounding of the abdomen. Moderate abdominal fat pad.
  8. 8ObeseBetween 7 and 9: ribs hard to feel, no waist, prominent belly fat.
  9. 9Severely obeseRibs not felt under heavy fat. Heavy fat over the lower back, face, and limbs. Distended abdomen with no waist. Extensive abdominal fat.
  1. 1Feel the ribsRibs should be felt with a slight fat covering, not seen.
  2. 2Look from aboveA gentle waist behind the ribs; no bulge at the sides.
  3. 3Check the bellyA small fat pad is normal; a swinging, rounded belly is not.