Obesity in Cats

Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

ArticleLast Updated August 20171 min readPeer Reviewed
Body Condition Score and Muscle Condition Score are important parts of the physical examination and nutritional assessment in dogs and cats. In this video, Deborah Linder, DVM, DACVN, shows how to assess BCS and MCS.

IBW = ideal body weightMCS = muscle condition scoreRER = resting energy requirement

*The AAHA Weight Management Guidelines define obesity as having a BCS 8/9 or above,1 although the guidelines, as well as this algorithm, may be helpful for any pet that is above ideal body weight.

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