Set the litter and hygiene routine early
Litter box cleaning is the single task most likely to be skipped or done inconsistently, so agree a specific schedule: scooped daily, fully changed on a set day, and washed with the household's own cleaning products rather than whatever is on hand. Hand-washing after handling litter or the box itself should be part of the routine, not an afterthought.
If anyone in the household is pregnant or has a compromised immune system, some families prefer that person not handle the litter box at all, leaving it entirely to the helper or another adult. Decide this as a family and say so plainly, rather than leaving it to be worked out later.
Agree the indoor and outdoor rules before day one
Cats that are meant to stay indoors can slip out through a door held open for deliveries, rubbish collection or guests, so the helper needs a clear instruction: is the cat strictly indoor, allowed supervised outdoor time, or free to roam? Whichever it is, explain how doors and gates should be managed, especially during moving-in days or renovation work when doors are propped open more often.
Cover the basics of daily care too: feeding times and portions, fresh water, litter box location, scratching post or furniture rules, and brushing if the cat needs it. None of this requires special training, but it does need to be said out loud rather than assumed.
- Feeding schedule and portion size
- Litter box location and cleaning frequency
- Indoor-only, supervised outdoor, or free-roaming status
- Who to contact if the cat seems unwell or goes missing