Watchcats on break XXXii

For the longest time, getting Watchcat Sammy to meow when I recorded video of him was a challenge.  As soon as I stopped recording after several minutes of silence, Sammy would start meowing up a storm.  Occasionally, I was lucky enough to capture footage of him speaking.  Often, however, I felt like I had to put asterisks on videos I'd filmed, such as, "After I stopped recording, Sammy let out a triumphant, elongated 'Meowwwwww!' before sprinting across the room," "Just before I recorded this, Sammy squealed excitedly while zeroing in on birds in a tree," or "Right after I stopped filming, Sammy set up a lectern and recited the Gettysburg Address."

To be honest, I might just have imagined that last scenario.

Watchcats on break XXXI

Thunderstorms often rattle Watchcat Collette.  Two thunderstorms ago, I could tell she was unnerved, so I crawled under her hiding place and offered her two toy mice to play with.  It did my heart good to see her start kicking both mice vigorously.

That routine will likely be necessary again today.  In fact, given all the rain we've already had this morning, I wish I could offer Collette some toy mice retroactively.

Watchcats on break XXX

Before sitting down at the kitchen table, it's advisable for me to feed Watchcat Collette first.  If I dare to eat before feeding her, she'll look at me as if to say, "Your priorities are incorrect.  Now, to show you how disappointed I am, I'm going to scratch the back door instead of using my scratching post."

I always get up before she's too far along in sharpening her claws and feed her.  You'd think I'd have internalized this inevitable sequence of events by now. 

Watchcats on break XXIX

Considering how often Watchcat Collette has sat in the living room window for more than six years, it's puzzling that my brother has never seen her there when driving by.  One recent afternoon, Collette jumped out of the window--just as I saw a white car that could have been my brother's turn onto my street.  I thought, "It wouldn't surprise me if Collette timed her exit that way.  Apparently, she's determined to retain some degree of mystery--or defiance."

Watchcats on break XXVIII

Last night, as I pulled into my parking space, I saw a ghostly apparition pacing back and forth in the living room window.  Was it an end-of-the-world omen or a spirit instructed to walk me through my past?

No.  It was Watchcat Collette, keeping tabs on the street.  It was reassuring to know that the most threatening behavior I could expect from her was biting my feet--and she didn't feel up to doing that last night.

Watchcats on break XXVII

I'm not sure why, when returning from grocery shopping, I've often said to Watchcat Sylvia or Watchcat Collette, "Alright, I've got new food and cat litter for you, so you should be good to go for a little while."

I'm still waiting for the day when Watchcat Collette responds, "Thank you for alleviating my concern.  I was wondering when you'd get around to restocking those items." 

Watchcats on break XXVI

I felt sheepish recently, having to apologize to Watchcat Collette.  I'd started eating a salad when Collette walked around the table, asking, "Meow?  Meow?"

I explained to her, "Oh, I'm sorry, Collette.  I already put dressing on the salad.  I know I usually give you a few lettuce leaves before I do that, but I forgot this time.  Sorry about that.  I'll remember next time."

Fortunately, I did remember the next time, and Collette ate her lettuce then.  I'm glad I remembered.  Watchcats don't like it when you make the same grievous error twice in a row.