Feeding and weight

Correct answer: B. You should feel the ribs easily, and see a waist from above

At a healthy weight the ribs are easy to feel under a thin layer of fat but not visible from a distance. From above you should see a waist behind the ribs, and from the side the belly should tuck up towards the hind legs. Your vet scores body condition on a 9-point scale and can agree an ideal weight with you.

Correct answer: B. It causes joint disease, diabetes in cats, breathing problems and a shorter life

Extra weight loads the joints and speeds up arthritis, raises the risk of diabetes in cats, and makes breathing and anaesthesia harder. In one study of two groups of Labradors fed different amounts, the leaner dogs lived almost two years longer on average.

Correct answer: B. No more than 10%

Treats, including scraps from the table, should be at most 10% of daily calories, with the rest from a complete diet. A few "harmless" bites can be a third of a small dog's daily needs. Subtract treats from the main portion, or use part of the daily food as rewards.

Correct answer: B. A starting point: adjust the portion to your pet's activity and weight

Pack guidelines are based on an average animal. Neutered, less active or older pets often need less. Weigh or measure the food, weigh your pet monthly and adjust the portion to the result.

Correct answer: B. Slowly, on a plan from the vet: typically 0.5–2% of body weight a week

A cat that stops eating for several days can develop fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which is life-threatening, especially in overweight cats. Weight should come off slowly, typically 0.5–2% a week for cats. Cats are carnivores and cannot live on vegetables. Your vet will choose the right food and portion.

Correct answer: B. Dog food may lack enough taurine and other nutrients cats need

Cats must get certain nutrients from their food, such as taurine, arachidonic acid and vitamin A, and dog food may not contain enough. Over time a lack of taurine damages the heart and the retina. Eating some dog food once is harmless, but a cat needs a complete cat diet.

Correct answer: B. It isn't needed: most adult cats digest lactose poorly and may get diarrhoea

After kittenhood most cats produce less of the enzyme that digests lactose, so cow's milk can cause diarrhoea and tummy pain. Cats don't need milk: fresh water and a complete diet are what matter. An orphaned kitten needs a kitten milk replacer, not cow's milk.

Correct answer: B. Place several bowls in different spots, away from food, or try wet food and a water fountain

Many cats drink little, which raises the risk of urinary problems. Cats prefer water away from their food and litter tray. Set out several wide bowls in different rooms, refresh the water daily and try a fountain. Wet food is mostly water too.

Correct answer: B. Puppy food is better: puppies need different amounts of energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus

Growing puppies need more energy and protein than adults, and calcium and phosphorus in precise balance. In large-breed puppies, excess calcium and very fast growth raise the risk of bone and joint problems, which is why large-breed puppy foods exist. "Meat only" is unbalanced: it contains very little calcium.

Correct answer: B. See the vet: weight loss is often a sign of disease

Unexplained weight loss in an older pet can signal dental, kidney or thyroid disease (in cats), diabetes or cancer. The earlier the cause is found, the better. Take senior pets to the vet at least twice a year and weigh them regularly at home.