What is the Body Condition Score (BCS)

2. BCS 2 (Very Thin)

Ribs easily palpable and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones less prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.

3. BCS 3 (Thin)

Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.

4. BCS 4 (Underweight)

Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering. Waist easily noted, viewed from above. Abdominal tuck evident.

5. BCS 5 (Ideal)

Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from side.

6. BCS 6 (Overweight)

Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist discernible but not prominent. Abdominal tuck apparent.

7. BCS 7 (Heavy)

Ribs palpable with difficulty; heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be absent.

8. BCS 8 (Obese)

Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent. No abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distention may be present.