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Understanding Your Pet's Body Condition Score

    As pet parents, we all want our furry companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives. One important, but often overlooked, part of your pet’s overall health is their Body Condition Score (BCS). This simple scoring system helps determine whether your pet has a healthy physique - and it’s just as important as tracking their weight on the scale.


    What is a Body Condition Score?

    The Body Condition Score is a veterinary tool used to assess the amount of fat your pet is carrying. Unlike body weight alone, BCS takes into account your pet’s shape, muscle mass, and fat distribution. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s BCS by feeling and observing key areas of the body, including the ribs, waist, and abdomen. Here's a basic guide to what they look for:


    Dog Body Condition Score chart; shows side and top views of dogs from very thin to obese. Numbers 1-9 classify condition levels.
    Cat Body Condition Score chart; shows side and top views of cats from very thin to obese. Numbers 1-9 classify condition levels.

    Underweight (BCS 1–3)

    • Ribs, spine, and pelvic bones are easily visible

    • Little or no body fat

    • Obvious loss of muscle mass


    Ideal (BCS 4–6)

    • Ribs are easily felt but not visible

    • Pet has a visible waist when viewed from above

    • Tucked-up abdomen when viewed from the side


    Overweight (BCS 7–8)

    • Ribs are difficult to feel

    • Waist is less defined

    • Abdomen has little or no tuck


    Obese (BCS 9)

    • Ribs are very difficult or impossible to feel

    • No visible waist

    • Abdominal area is rounded or sagging


    Woman in a denim jacket sits under a tree, smiling and petting a Shiba Inu. Tan backpack nearby. Bright green park background.


    Why Does Body Condition Score Matter?

    A healthy Body Condition Score isn't just about looks – it's a powerful shield against serious health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, respiratory problems, & more


    In fact, studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that pets kept at a healthy weight can live up to 2.5 years longer than their overweight counterparts.


    How You Can Check at Home

    You can perform a simplified BCS check at home by using the “Rib & Waist Test”:


    1. Feel your pet's ribs – Can you feel them easily, or do you have to press hard?

    2. Look at your pet from above – Is there a visible waist behind their ribs?

    3. Look at your pet from the side – Is there an upward tuck in their belly?


    If you’re unsure, or if you think your pet might be over or under their ideal BCS, we are here to help! Monitoring a pet’s body condition is an important part of every exam we do, and we are more than happy to walk you through it at your pet’s next visit.



    Tabby cat on geometric rug playfully reaching for a pink and green feather toy, with a cozy indoor setting in soft colors.

    What If My Pet Isn’t at an Ideal BCS?

    If your pet is underweight or overweight, their veterinarian will help you develop a safe, measured plan to get them back to a healthy BCS. This might include:


    • Adjusting their diet (type & amount of food)

    • Creating an exercise plan

    • Monitoring progress regularly


    One thing to remember when it comes to pets with high or low BCS is that safe and sustained changes are key. Just like in humans, crash diets or drastic changes in activity can be harmful to other areas of your pet’s health - it is always best practice to follow your veterinarian’s weight management plan and make gradual progress over time.


    Your pet’s Body Condition Score is more than just a number, it’s a snapshot of their overall health. Regularly assessing BCS helps you and your veterinarian make informed decisions about your pet’s diet, activity, and care to help them lead a comfortable and happy life. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the most loving things you can do for them.


    If you have any questions about your pet’s weight or want help assessing their BCS, book a wellness exam with us today!



    How to Have a Happy Cat: Feline Enrichment

      Updated: Sep 10

      "Cats believe you can make anything a toy if you have enough imagination."


      Orange kitten playing with blue ribbons on a bed, sunlight casting a soft glow. Playful mood, confetti scattered around.

      If you’ve ever caught your cat batting your car keys off the table, wrestling a paper bag like it’s a wild animal, or launching themselves out of a laundry basket like a fighter jet, you know exactly what we mean.


      Here at Newberry Animal Hospital, we hear it all the time - stories of cats getting into boxes they don’t fit in, chewing on plants they’re definitely not supposed to, or turning a sock into a full-scale wrestling match. Why? Because to a cat, anything is a toy if they put their mind to it.


      But while these antics can be hilarious (and occasionally chaotic), they also hint at something important: your cat craves stimulation. Play and exercise aren’t just for fun - they’re essential for your cat’s health and happiness. And the good news is, you don’t have to surrender your shoelaces or couch corners to keep them entertained! Let’s dive into some of the best toys and activities you can offer your cat to keep their brain busy, body active, and mischievous paws out of trouble.


      Why Play Matters for Cats


      Play isn’t just about burning energy - it taps into your cat’s natural instincts to stalk, chase, pounce, and hunt. It keeps them physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally satisfied. Without proper stimulation, cats can become bored, anxious, or even develop unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture or excessive meowing.


      For indoor cats especially, structured playtime is essential. Without access to the ever-changing sights and smells of the outdoors, indoor cats rely on you to make their environment fun and enriching.


      Top Toys to Keep Your Cat Engaged


      1. Interactive Wand Toys


      Wand toys with feathers, bells, or plush animals attached to the end mimic prey and encourage jumping, pouncing, and stalking. These are ideal for interactive play sessions with your cat and help strengthen your bond. Tip: Vary the motion! Mimic the erratic movement of a bird or mouse to really capture your cat’s attention.

      A playful gray and white cat jumps to catch a colorful striped toy hanging from above in a blurred indoor setting.

      2. Puzzle Feeders & Treat Dispensers


      These toys combine brainwork and food rewards. They challenge your cat to work for their treats or kibble, turning mealtime into a mental workout. Some of the most popular options are food-dispensing balls, puzzle boards, and slow feeders with compartments or hidden areas.


      3. Electronic Motion Toys


      Battery-operated toys that scurry, wiggle, or spin on their own can trigger your kitty’s hunting instincts and are great for solo play, especially when you’re busy.


      4. Nocturnal Toys


      Did you know that cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk? This means that when you are trying to fall asleep or just waking up, your kitty’s desire for playtime is just starting. Opting for a toy that glows in the dark or even one that lights up when pawed at can help your cat stay stimulated even when you’re catching your z’s.


      5. Catnip Toys


      Soft toys infused with catnip can encourage solo play, rolling, kicking, and wrestling. Just be sure to rotate them out regularly so your cat doesn’t lose interest and limit how much catnip they are exposed to - ingestion of the herb in large amounts can result in gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhea for your feline friend.


      *Newberry Animal Hospital does not receive any additional compensation from the sale of any above-linked toys. Please use at your discretion and always supervise your cat when introducing a new toy.



      Activities That Boost Your Cat’s Brain


      In addition to toys, hands-on play and training sessions can play a big role in keeping your cat mentally sharp. The following cat-friendly activities can be done for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day and will be monumental in both tiring out your kitty’s brain and strengthening your bond with them:


      Hide and Seek: Hide your cat’s favorite toys or treats around the house. Encourage them to “hunt” using their nose and paws.


      Clicker Training: Yes, cats can be trained! Use a clicker and small treats to teach simple commands like “sit,” “high five,” or even “come.” This is a fantastic mental exercise and great for bonding.


      Gray cat with orange eyes lounging on a cat tree, beige wall background. Feathers hang from the tree, creating a playful mood.

      Vertical Space Exploration: Install cat trees, shelves, or window perches. Cats love climbing and observing from above, and vertical movement adds to their daily exercise. Tip: Install a birdhouse or bird feeder outside your cat's favorite window for hours of effortless mental enrichment for your feline friend!


      Rotation of Toys: Just like kids, cats can get bored with the same toys. Rotate their selection weekly to keep things fresh and exciting - and remember to always supervise when introducing a new set of toys. We want to keep our feline friends happy and safe! 


      When your kitty’s playtime is over, it is always a good idea to end with a calming activity, like petting or grooming, to help your cat wind down.



      What if My Cat Doesn’t Want to Play?


      Not every cat loves to play - and that’s okay! Every pet is different, and a lack of interest in toys or activity does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with them. However, while some cats have more love for play than others, a sudden change in their activity level can indicate the beginning of an underlying health issue. If you have questions or concerns about recent changes in your cat’s behavior, weight, or wellness, we’re here to help you figure out why. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend at any of our locations below.


      Let’s Keep Those Whiskers Twitching! Play is more than fun - it’s a vital part of your cat’s health and happiness. By choosing the right toys and making time each day to engage your cat’s body and mind, you’re giving them the stimulation they crave and the care they deserve.



      Book an appointment today:




      What Diseases Can I Get From My Pet?

        The answer: There are a few! But don't worry, we'll teach you how to defend against them.


        Woman hugging dog

        World Zoonosis Day is July 6th, which means now is as great a time as ever to talk about an important but often overlooked topic: zoonotic diseases! Zoonotic diseases are defined as illnesses that can be passed between animals and people, and while that might sound a little alarming, there’s good news - there’s a lot we can do to prevent them. 

         

        A zoonotic disease can be caused by a virus, parasite, or bacteria that our pets may carry, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Everyday interactions, like cleaning up after your pet, being licked, or (in rare cases) being scratched or bitten, can pose some risk. Those with weaker immune systems, like young children, pregnant women, or older adults may even be at a higher risk for infection. So what are some of the most common zoonotic diseases? Let’s take a look:

         

        Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch Fever)

        Cats with fleas can carry the Bartonella henselae bacteria and pass it to people via scratching them or licking an open cut. This bacteria is hidden within flea dirt (flea feces), leading to infection for whatever it comes in contact with. To prevent this, regular flea prevention is key. Preventive products like Bravecto Plus are safe, easy to use, and typically given monthly or every other month, depending on what’s prescribed. 

         

        Leptospirosis

        Leptospirosis is another disease we take seriously here in Florida, especially during hurricane season. It’s spread through contaminated soil or water, often from wildlife urine. After heavy rains or floods, the risk can rise significantly. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that protects dogs against Lepto, and it’s something we recommend at all of our hospitals! 


        Salmonella

        While many humans already know about Salmonella, some may not know that it can also sometimes be spread via our pets’ raw food diets. While feeding raw might seem natural or appealing, it can increase the risk of harmful bacteria spreading in your home. If you’re preparing homemade meals for your pet, we strongly recommend cooking the food thoroughly. More information on how to safely prepare your own fresh meals for your pet can be found at https://balance.it, a great resource for pet nutrition.

         

        Intestinal Parasites

        Many intestinal parasites such as Ancylostoma caninum, or “hookworms”, can spread through skin contact. If you’re walking barefoot in an area where infected pet waste hasn’t been cleaned up, you can be at risk. Keeping your yard clean and making sure your pets are on routine parasite prevention that includes deworming are the easiest ways to protect both pets and people.

         

        It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the threat of zoonotic disease, but the most important defenses you have to prevent against it are simple, everyday habits like washing your hands after handling animals, staying on top of your pet’s vaccines and preventives, and checking in with your pet’s vet when something feels off.

         

        If you ever have questions about your pet’s health or want to make sure you’re covering all the right bases, we’re always here to help. Whether you suspect your furry friend is sick or you’d just like to get them updated on their vaccines & parasite prevention, you can always schedule an appointment at any of our locations:

         


         

        Want to learn more about zoonotic disease? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers a great overview for what to look out for in your pet and yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/diseases/index.html

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