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The meal log
What to record
Record the time, food offered, what was eaten and anything unusual. An entry without noticed changes is an observation, not proof that your cat was healthy. A new entry dates when you noticed a change, not necessarily when it began. Missing entries are missing information.
Log a meal
Add an entry after a meal - or any time you notice something about how your cat ate. Entries stay on this device only.
Findings that warrant a call, not just a log line
Bring the printed log to routine appointments. But some things shouldn't wait for the next visit: a cat that stops eating or starts avoiding the bowl, a yellowish tinge to the ears or gums, vomiting that repeats, or rapid weight change in either direction. Anorexia in cats can precede hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition - the safe weight loss guide explains why a cat not eating is always worth a prompt vet call rather than a wait-and-see.
The body condition chart, for reference
Vets describe weight with the 9-point body condition score. This condensed chart follows the WSAVA 2020 cat chart - run the three checks (ribs, waist from above, belly from the side) and place your cat honestly:
| Score | Class | What you feel and see |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Under ideal | Ribs easily felt with little or no fat covering, easily seen on short-haired cats at the low end; waist and abdominal tuck pronounced to severe. |
| 4-5 | Ideal | Ribs easily felt under a slight fat covering; waist visible behind the ribs from above; slight abdominal tuck; minimal belly fat pad. |
| 6-7 | Over ideal | Ribs felt through a slight-to-moderate fat covering, or not easily felt; waist absent or barely visible; belly rounding or a clear fat pad. |
| 8-9 | Obese | Ribs not felt under heavy fat; heavy deposits over the lower back and belly; no waist; the abdomen distended at the top end. |
