FM1 Pt2-8b Weighing Cats Flashcards
Why should cats be weighed at every opportunity in a veterinary clinic?
Weighing cats helps in the early detection of weight loss (indicating underlying disease) and weight gain, with obesity becoming a significant issue in cats.
What is the typical weight range for an adult cat?
The average weight of an adult cat ranges between 3 kg and 6 kg, though there are exceptions, so accurate medication dosing is crucial.
How often should healthy young to middle-aged cats be weighed?
They should be weighed approximately once yearly at their vaccination check.
How often should older cats (over 12 years) be weighed?
Older cats should be weighed every six months.
When should cats with illness or on a weight restriction diet be weighed?
They should be weighed every 1-8 weeks depending on their condition.
How frequently should hospitalized cats be weighed?
Hospitalized cats should be weighed daily.
Why is it important to calculate percentage weight change at every visit?
Calculating percentage weight change helps identify trends and makes it easier for clients to understand the significance of weight changes, such as a 10% body weight loss.
What is Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and why is it important?
BCS assesses a cat’s physical condition, using a scale of 1-9 (or 1-5), to determine if a cat is underweight, ideal, or overweight, helping to track progress in weight management and prevent health issues like arthritis and diabetes.
What are the three checks involved in determining a cat’s Body Condition Score?
The three checks are Rib Check (feeling the ribs), Profile Check (viewing the cat from the side), and Overhead Check (viewing the cat from above).
What is an ideal Body Condition Score on the 1-9 scale?
An ideal Body Condition Score is 4-5 on the 1-9 scale.
What physical traits indicate an ideal Body Condition Score in a cat?
The cat’s ribs should be palpable with a slight fat covering, the waist visible from above, and the abdomen tucked up towards the pelvis when viewed from the side.
How does maintaining an ideal Body Condition Score benefit a cat’s health?
Maintaining an ideal BCS throughout a cat’s life can decrease the risk of weight-associated health problems like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Why is it important for everyone in a veterinary practice to use the same Body Condition Scoring system?
Consistency in using the same BCS system ensures accurate and reliable assessments across different staff members.
