Watchcat protocol CDXXIX

What melee could possibly break out between the vantage point of the scratching post and the refrigerator?  Watchcat Headquarters apparently knew, as that was one of Watchcat Sylvia's assigned stations in May 2015:

Watchcat protocol CDXXVIII

With a knowing look in December 2014, Watchcat Sylvia assured Watchcat Headquarters that she was keeping an eye on her assigned horse:

Watchcat protocol CDXXVII

It's comforting to know that, thanks to a watchcat's diligent guarding, no one will make off with your unwashed clothes:

December 2019: Watchcat Collette makes sure no one absconds with the to-be-washed laundry.

Watchcat protocol CDXXVI

Looking someone right in the face is an effective way of showing you're a dedicated watchcat:

December 2019: Watchcat Collette shows how seriously she takes watching someone.

All rise, please... IV

...Actually, instead of rising, please crouch on the floor and lift up the bottom of the bedspread.  Court is now in session, with the honorable Judge Lily presiding.  It's unusual for a cat judge to hear cases and announce verdicts from under the bed, but Judge Lily prefers this setting over a courtroom.

Watchcat protocol CDXXV

So much activity goes with the holidays.  It's reassuring to know that while you're rushing around, a watchcat is on duty, staying focused:

December 7, 2018: Watchcat Sylvia makes sure the kitchen is in order.

Watchcat protocol CDXXIV

Peggy Lee sang us all a gentle reminder about being responsible in "Don't Forget To Feed The Reindeer."  Equally important, per Watchcat Collette, however, is not forgetting to feed the tabby.  This morning, Collette offered me a gentle reminder with her eyes about being responsible:

Watchcat protocol CDXXIII

Although watchcats and watchmice don't always coexist peacefully, it's important at Christmastime to put aside differences and extend a good paw of fellowship.  Watchcat Sylvia and her mouse achieved this state of detente on Christmas Day, 2015:

Watchcat protocol CDXXII

Watchcat Collette must have been puzzled to read the guard post assignment sheet from Watchcat Headquarters on Saturday and see her guard post location listed as, "Kitchen sink--double bags."  Nevertheless, she carried out her assignment:

Watchcat protocol CDXXI

Every so often, it's advisable for a watchcat to compliment the proxy watchcat backup for doing a good job.  Watchcat Sylvia complimented Proxy Sylvia in December 2016:

After all, who doesn't appreciate positive feedback?

Watchcat protocol CDXX

Although she probably would have preferred to sit in the chair near the counter, Watchcat Sylvia was dedicated enough to complete her kitchen security check in December 2012:

Watchcat protocol CDXIX

Being a watchcat entitles you to look after your own property when it's within your assigned sector:

December 2019: Watchcat Collette keeps tabs on her cat carrier by sitting on it.

Watchcat protocol CDXVIII

Although it's unlikely that intruders will break in and abscond with the apple juice, it's reassuring to know a watchcat is on duty to prevent such a calamity:

December 2019: Watchcat Collette demonstrated her apple juice-guarding chops last week.

Watchcat protocol CDXVII

It's admirable when a sleepy watchcat carries out her responsibility of guarding an assigned sector:

July 2017: Feeling drowsy didn't deter Watchcat Sylvia and Proxy Sylvia from guarding the living room.

Watchcat protocol CDXVI

It's a dedicated watchcat who can sit in the middle of a racetrack with her backup watchmouse and stay focused on an assigned sector:

Spring 2014: Watchcat Sylvia and her watchmouse hunker down to provide security in the living room.

Watchcat protocol CDXV

Need to protect a gap in a sofa cover?  Ask a watchcat to guard it:

Fall 2012: Watchcat Sylvia makes sure no one gets near a rift in the sofa cover.

Watchcat protocol CDXIV

Sometimes, Watchcat Headquarters determines that monitoring the groceries requires a backup.  One day in December 2015, Santa Claus and Watchcat Sylvia teamed up; each of them monitored one grocery bag:

Watchcat protocol CDXIII

Avoid being a Grinch or Scrooge during the holidays.  Allow your watchcat time to watch some favorite holiday specials:

December 2013: Watchcat Sylvia takes time off to watch a favorite Christmas program.

Watchcat protocol CDXII

There's always a need for watchcats, even during the holidays.  In this scene from December 2013, Watchcat Sylvia resists the allure of a Christmas tree as she monitors her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol CDXI

Just because your guard post is comfortable doesn't mean you aren't doing your job as a watchcat:

February 2016: Watchcat Sylvia monitors her assigned sector from the cozy confines of a comforter.

Watchcat protocol CDX

It's essential for a watchcat to exercise humanity when it's warranted.  When a mouse crosses a watchcat's path, the watchcat must determine if it's a friend or foe.  Fortunately, in this instance from November 2009, the mouse was a friend, so Watchcat Sylvia allowed it to pass:

Watchcat protocol CDIX

Around this time of year, watchcats have an additional seasonal duty--making sure Christmas soldier bears are ready for display.  Watchcat Sylvia had this covered in December 2008:

Watchcat protocol CDVIII

You might have heard that Santa's sleigh departs from the North Pole.  Given all the stops it makes in the course of an evening, however, it's necessary for watchcats to check periodically that the sleigh is in good working order.  Watchcat Sylvia was tasked with this in December 2008:

Fortunately, everything was clear for takeoff.

Watchcat protocol CDVII

A dedicated watchcat investigates when she hears voices coming from the TV, even when the TV is turned off:

January 2014: Watchcat Sylvia listens to said voices to determine their origin.

Watchcat protocol CDVI

A watchcat's no-nonsense countenance should convince potential intruders to reconsider traipsing through your kitchen:

July 2008: Watchcat Sylvia keeps the kitchen secure from her countertop guard post.

Watchcat protocol CDV

Sometimes, a watchcat will offer those she's watching a friendly reminder that she has claws:

Summer 2010: Watchcat Sylvia shows that she's cordial but has her claws ready as weapons.

Watchcat protocol CDIV

Per Watchcat Headquarters, as long as you keep your eyes on your assigned sector, no rule says a watchcat always has to be right side up:

Fall 2016: Watchcat Sylvia takes her upside down guard gig in stride.

Watchcat protocol CDIII

To say the least, I've had emotional whiplash over the past week and a half.  When your beloved watchcat and companion animal passes, how do you adjust to the loss?  How do you even contemplate starting anew with another watchcat pet?  At first, when you're grieving, the notion of any other cat having that role seems out of focus, at best:

Eventually, if you're lucky, the next step becomes clear, and you find your next watchcat/housecat successor.  In my case, that's Watchcat Collette, who started on patrol yesterday.  She already has a knack for following me around and watching her assigned sector adroitly from the sofa:

She also monitors her assigned sector from the side, as needed:

I'm proud of Watchcat Collette for adjusting to her new home and guard patrol assignment so quickly.  She follows in the footsteps of her exemplary predecessor, Watchcat Sylvia.  It's an adjustment to go from one watchcat/housecat to another, so I keep reminding myself to look at this situation as a progression of chapters in a book.  Just because I start reading Chapter 2, it doesn't mean Chapter 1 is any less compelling.  Thus, I mourn the passing of wonderful Watchcat Sylvia and welcome Watchcat Collette to her new post.

Watchcat protocol CDII

Advice to aspiring watchcats: Be ready to catch a dragonfly on a string during watchcat agility training.  Watchcat Sylvia demonstrated her mastery of this in Spring 2016:

Watchcat protocol CDI

Assuring Watchcat Headquarters that everything is under control comes with the territory of being a watchcat.  Watchcat Sylvia and her watchrabbit did that in Spring 2015:

Watchcat protocol CD

Provided the foods are safe for cats to eat, it's permissible to reward a watchcat with human foods from your refrigerator:

November 2015: Watchcat Sylvia contemplates a reward from the refrigerator for a job well done.

Watchcat protocol CCCXCIX

Understandably, a watchcat not only guards her assigned sector but her property, as well.  In April 2012, Watchcat Sylvia stayed close to her Senses toy:

Watchcat protocol CCCXCVIII

A skilled watchcat can wash her paws while watching for intruders peripherally.  Watchcat Sylvia demonstrated her mastery of this in April 2011:

Watchcat protocol CCCXCVII

Want to find out what's happening in your community?  Head to the nearest watchcat-patrolled newsstand:

November 2010: Watchcat Sylvia presides over issues of various newspapers and magazines.

Watchcat protocol CCCXCVI

Do you keep a sharp eye on your surroundings?  Do you relish the thought of keeping hooligans out of an assigned sector?  Does the thought of keeping an area secure make you lick your chops?  If so, a watchcat career might be your calling.

December 2012:  Watchcat Sylvia shows her zeal for security work.

Watchcat protocol CCCXCV

You know a watchcat means business when she opens her eyes this wide--and has a backup watchfox helping to guard her assigned sector.  Watchcat Sylvia and her watchfox kept their assigned sector secure in 2008:

I know life doesn't work this way, but...

As I continue to grapple with yesterday's awful turn of events, I keep thinking about something I would tell my cat, Sylvia, when she wasn't eating enough. 

"Sylvia, please eat," I'd say.  "I need you to be immortal.  In fact, I want everyone in my family, humans and cats alike, to live forever."

I know life doesn't work that way, but that didn't stop me from telling Sylvia.  It won't stop me from wishing that my next cat has eternal life, either.

In memory of Sylvia the cat

October 2012: Sylvia curled up with me on the sofa. 

Fall 2009: Contemplative Sylvia in her cat bed.

I'm so upset.  This morning, Sylvia succumbed to her kidney and liver diseases.  Her absence leaves a huge void, as I could not have adopted a sweeter, more good-natured cat.  Actually, she chose me just as much at the shelter in 2008.  Upon meeting me, she meowed happily, jumped into my lap, and purred with the strength of 10 cats.  To this day, that's still the best example I've ever seen of anyone saying, "Pick me!"  Thus began over 11 wonderful years of cat companionship.

Frequently, when I'd attempt to get up from the sofa, Sylvia would try to prevent me from leaving.  Even with her eyes closed, she'd stretch a paw out across me as if to say, "You're staying right here!" Similarly, when I'd try to read a book or newspaper, she'd often sit down on me until her paws were on my neck and she was looking right in my eyes.  She'd then do at least one nose touch with me to convince me to stay.  I didn't mind holding my reading material off to the side because I knew she was happy.

Four days ago, Sylvia walked into my home office and jumped onto my lap.  I cradled her in my arms and told her how much she means to me; I told her how lucky we were to have found each other, how we're a great team, and reminisced about memorable things she'd done over the years.  As I looked into her eyes, saw the serene expression on her face, and heard that same lion-like purr I'd first heard in 2008, I knew she understood--and agreed with me.

Sylvia and I had a wonderful simpatico bond.  That's why I love her, miss her, and will never forget her.

A linguistic irritant XCIV

Sometimes, I think things in my life are going well.  I express this by saying, "Things are going well."  Under no circumstances do I convey this by saying, "Things are hunky-dory." To me, hunky-dory sounds like the name of a Spam byproduct or a device used to rehang a door that's not centered.  At times, things might be fine with me--but never hunky-dory.

Watchcat protocol CCCXCIV

Printer not working properly?  Ask a watchcat to check it for you:

November 2005: Watchcat Rosie inspects a printer.  By meowing at it sternly, she got it to start printing again.

Watchcat protocol CCCXCIII

I'm not sure why Watchcat Headquarters asked Watchcat Rosie to guard a drop cloth in 2012, but she carried out her assignment flawlessly:

Watchcat protocol CCCXCII

Want to make sure no one walks off with your new night table?  Ask a watchcat to guard it--by sitting on it:

August 2005: Watchcat Sammy keeps intruders from taking a night table by using it as his guard post.

Watchcat protocol CCCXCI

Watchcat Headquarters doesn't require it, but some watchcats like using a backrest as their guard post.  It elevates them and gives them additional authority:

April 2010: Watchcat Sylvia is ready to pounce from her backrest, if necessary.

Watchcat protocol CCCXC

Sometimes, a suspicious insect or other low-to-the-ground intruder will appear in a watchcat's assigned sector.  Before assuming the worst and overreacting, however, an experienced watchcat and her backup will assess the situation:

Summer 2017: Proxy Sylvia and Watchcat Sylvia monitor the security situation on the living room floor.

Watchcat protocol CCCLXXXIX

Watchcat Sammy felt a sense of commitment during museum guard duty.  He could have been traipsing among the sculptures, but he stayed in the guard's chair to keep an eye on visitors:

November 2004: Watchcat Sammy surveys his assigned museum sector.

Watchcat protocol CCCLXXXVIII

Once you've shown Watchcat Headquarters that you're taking your watchcat job seriously, they'll reward you with a fortress:

December 2014: Watchcat Sylvia monitors her assigned sector from her fortress.

Watchcat protocol CCCLXXXVII

Per Watchcat Headquarters, it's permissible to drink water from a faucet while on guard duty, provided you keep your eyes open and continue monitoring your assigned sector:

 November 15, 2019: Watchcat Sylvia stays hydrated while on the job.