I believe it's a puss caterpillar, and if so then I definitely wouldn't touch it -- the hairs are stingers. It looks like Donald Trump's hair, though! Here is a link that might be useful: Puss Moth Caterpillar

Critter in the soil -- very fuzzy image, but by the shape I'd say pupal cases of moths. Non-feeding stage. To find out who they are, place in a covered clear container. Place where you'll see it daily but NOT in the sun. Eventually, moth will emerge.

Never seen those slimy creatures. The only slimy things that I know and am dealing with are slugs and some snails. Try using/ experimenting slug bait on those. Also sprinkle some table salt on the and see what happens. Sey

Looks like a clavate tortoise beetle. Get rid of them by picking them off the plant and tossing them into a container of soapy water. Unless you have a very large infestation, they do not do much damage.