A new puppy or kitten at home

Correct answer: B. In the first few days, even if it looks healthy

At the first visit the vet checks its health, sets a vaccination and deworming schedule and advises on feeding and microchipping. The animal also gets used to the clinic while young. Bring any paperwork the breeder or shelter gave you.

Correct answer: B. Take it out often, especially after sleeping, eating and play, and praise it right away in the right spot

A puppy can't link punishment to what it did; it only learns to fear you and may start sneaking off to pee where you can't see. Routine works: take it out after waking, eating and play and every 1–2 hours, and praise or treat it the moment it goes in the right place. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner so no smell remains. Don't restrict water.

Correct answer: B. Three: one per cat plus one extra

The rule of thumb is one tray per cat plus one. Put them in different quiet places, away from food and water. A cat that dislikes its tray, or is blocked from it by another cat, may start going elsewhere. Clean trays daily.

Correct answer: B. Thread, string, ribbon or hair ties

Kittens love playing with string, but if they swallow it, it can bunch up the intestines and surgery may be needed; thread with a needle attached is even worse. Put away thread, ribbon, hair ties and charger cables, and only play with string when you're watching. Fit screens to open windows.

Correct answer: A. From about 3 to 14 weeks

Between 3 and about 14 weeks a puppy most easily gets used to new people, animals, sounds and places. Whatever it meets calmly and pleasantly at this age, it is less likely to fear later. Introduce different people, vaccinated dogs, street noise, car rides, and having its paws and ears handled, gradually and with rewards.

Correct answer: B. Put its bed near you, add something that smells of its mother, and take it out before bed

The puppy has just left its mother and littermates and is scared of being alone. Set up its bed near you, add something with the scent of its old home or mother, and take it out before sleep. It will settle sooner, and if it wakes in the night you'll know it needs to go out. Teach it to be alone gradually, during the day.

Correct answer: B. A lost pet can be scanned, identified and returned to you

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and sits under the skin. It has no battery or GPS: it holds a unique number that a clinic or shelter reads with a scanner. It only helps if the number is registered with your details in a database, and you update them when your phone number changes.

Correct answer: B. At least 8 weeks, ideally 12

With its mother and littermates a kitten learns eating, toileting, play and bite control. Kittens separated too early, before 8 weeks, more often have behaviour and health problems; many organisations recommend 12–13 weeks. If your kitten came to you earlier, ask your vet about feeding and care.

Correct answer: B. Stop the game and offer a toy it's allowed to bite

Mouthing is a natural part of play and exploring for puppies, but they need to learn to be gentle. If it hurts, calmly stop the game or redirect to a chew toy. Hitting or holding the jaw causes fear and aggression. Enough sleep and chew toys reduce nipping too.

Correct answer: B. One hand under the chest, the other under the hind legs

Support the whole body: one hand under the chest, the other under the hind legs and rump. Lifting by the legs strains the joints, and lifting by the scruff causes pain and fear, especially in adult cats. Teach children to pick up pets only while sitting on the floor, so a wriggling animal doesn't fall.