LEGACY * COIT ANIMAL HOSPITAL

972-618-7499

Our friends at PurinaŽ have developed The Body Condition System to help pet owners judge if their pet's appearance is normal or not. The images on the right are numbered to correspond with the descriptions below.

1.   EMACIATED  Ribs visible on shorthaired cats, no palpable fat; severe abdominal tuck; back bones easily felt.

2. VERY THIN  Shared conditions of #1 and #3.

3. THIN  Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering, back bones visible; obvious waist behind ribs, minimal abdominal fat.

4.  UNDERWEIGHT   Shared conditions of #3 and #5.

5.  IDEAL  Well proportioned; waist behind ribs visible, ribs have a slight fat covering; abdominal fat pad.

6.  OVERWEIGHT Shared conditions of #5 and #7.

7.  HEAVY Ribs not easily palpated with moderate fat covering; waist not readily visible; abdomen obviously round; moderate abdominal fat pad.

8.  OBESE  Shared conditions of #7 and #9.

9.  GROSSLY OBESE   Ribs not palpable under heavy fat cover; heavy fat deposits on back, face, tummy   and limbs; abdomen distended.

Obesity as well as emaciation can be signs of health problems.  We suggest weighing your pet at home every once and a while to make sure weight problems don't sneak up on us.  There are special diet foods to help keep kitty in the best shape and the best health!

If you have any questions, please call us at 972-618-7499 or send us a note at info@planopethospital.com

All information copyrighted   2002 by Purina or Legacy Coit Animal Hospital of Plano, Texas. Do not use materials without permission.