How to Check Your Pet’s Body Condition

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a standardized, hands-on method used in veterinary medicine to assess body fat and muscle using palpation, landmarks, and overall shape.

Why body condition matters

Excess body fat is biologically active tissue. It affects inflammation, insulin sensitivity, joint load, respiratory effort, heat tolerance, and quality of life. BCS provides a repeatable way to monitor risk and track change over time.

What is a Body Condition Score (BCS)?

Most veterinary teams use a 1–9 scale, with 4–5 considered ideal. BCS combines rib palpation, waist shape (from above), and abdominal tuck (from the side).

Quick Body Check: Key Areas to Evaluate

These steps reflect the same landmarks used in a clinical BCS assessment. Focus on patterns over time rather than a single feature.

1

Rib Check

Ribs should be easy to feel with light pressure. Thick padding suggests excess fat.

2

Waist Check

From above, look for a visible waist behind the ribs.

3

Tummy Check

From the side, look for a gentle abdominal tuck. (Cats: a small primordial pouch can be normal.)

4

Track Weight

Monitor weight trends using the same scale and method.

5

Confirm with Your Veterinarian

Ask that BCS be recorded at every visit.

What to do next

If multiple steps suggest excess fat or you notice rapid change, schedule a formal BCS assessment with your veterinarian and track the score over time. Interpret results in context of breed, coat, age, and body type.

Check ideal weight ranges by breed

Choose your species to continue

Body Condition Score interpretation varies by species. Use the appropriate chart and guidance below to review scoring details and next steps specific to your pet.

Dog BCS Cat BCS Rabbit BCS Horse BCS