Witch cat watchcat protocol XXXI

A witch cat is a valuable pinch hitter when a watchcat's assigned sector requires extra security...

...and when a watchcat needs to take a nap:

October 31, 2021: Watchcat Collette and her backup witch cat keep marauders at bay.

Watchcat protocol CMXCVIII

A watchcat's mind will wander sometimes, but it doesn't mean she isn't guarding her assigned sector:

October 2005: Watchcat Rosie might have been thinking about something other than guard duty, but she still took command of her guard post.

Watchcat protocol CMXCVII

A watchcat will be alert during guard duty when she's looking after a pillow with her likeness on it:

October 29, 2021: Nothing comes between Watchcat Collette and her pillow.

Watchcat protocol CMXCVI

To prevent trespassers from absconding with your reflux medication, ask Watchcat Headquarters to station a watchcat by it:

October 2014: Watchcat Sammy made sure no intruder walked off with Nexium.

Watchcat protocol CMXCV

It's important for a watchcat to show confidence while on duty.  In July 2008, Watchcat Nemo conveyed the attitude, "See?  I can keep this cat toy in its place during agility training while surveying my assigned sector."  Again, confidence--and an ability to multitask--are essential for a watchcat:

Watchcat protocol CMXCIV

If a watchcat's guardian requests it, Watchcat Headquarters will let the watchcat use the guardian's lap as a guard post.  Watchcat Lily carried out this directive this morning:

Watchcat protocol CMXCIII

In June 2007, Watchcat Rosie told and showed everyone that she was ready for anything during agility training:

Watchcat protocol CMXCII

Although he had the tempting allure of cat food nearby in May 2015, Watchcat Sammy stayed focused on guarding his assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol CMXCI

Most watchcats will shoot a disapproving stare in your direction when you're trespassing.  In November 2012, however, Watchcat Rosie took this a step further.  She greeted anyone who was even thinking about trespassing with a stern glare:

That's some next level watchcat strategy.

Watchcat protocol CMXC

Being comfortable in his cat bed didn't mean Watchcat Sammy wasn't taking his guard duties seriously:

September 2012: Watchcat Sammy stayed comfy--and alert.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXIX

An agility training toy animal can sometimes double as a backup watchanimal:

October 2015: Watchcat Sylvia and her backup dragonfly scan different portions of their assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXVIII

When a watchcat spots you, don't expect to escape her scrutiny:

June 2009: Watchcat Rosie sets her sights on all visitors to her assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXVII

You never know when a cardboard box will leap out at you and pose a threat.  Watchcat Collette showed one such cardboard box who was in charge on October 6, 2021:

After she subdued the vicious box, she looked triumphant:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXVI

Sometimes, as a watchcat, you can't look away from your immediate surroundings.  When the urge to wash strikes, it's advisable to stay at least partially focused on your assigned sector:

May 2010: Watchcat Sylvia monitors her assigned sector while washing her paw.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXV

Suppose you're a watchcat on duty who feels a sudden need to wash yourself.  As Watchcat Collette illustrated this morning, here's what you should do.

First, scan your assigned sector for unauthorized visitors:

When you're sure there aren't any unauthorized visitors, take a break to wash yourself:

When you're finished washing, reclaim command of your assigned sector:

Clutching a soft towel will make you look commanding--and comfortable.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXIV

In May 2011, visitors who wanted to check out books in the watchcat library needed Watchcat Sammy's permission:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXIII

Has your watchcat provided you with exemplary security service?  Reward him with a spoon-fed meal:

January 2016: One of Watchcat Sammy's guardians caters to his meal request.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXII

Everyone needs to wash their hands.  Thus, when guests visit, Watchcat Headquarters recommends stationing a watchcat near the hand soap.  The watchcat will alert the proper authorities when a guest uses too little or too much soap.  This policy might be a tad heavy-handed, but Watchcat Nemo and his reflection enforced it in October 2015:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXXI

In a security quandary?  Schedule a consultation with Watchcat Lily.  She'll give you her undivided attention and offer sound advice:

October 6, 2021: Watchcat Lily listens before sharing her wisdom.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXX

Watchcat Rosie was a tad disgruntled in September 2012.  Nevertheless, she still dispensed appropriate justice for unauthorized visitors who traipsed into her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXIX

Was this dynamite toy a real explosive or a decoy?  In May 2013, only Watchcat Sammy knew for sure:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXVIII

To cover more ground quickly while making rounds, some watchcats stretch themselves out:

November 2009: An elongated Watchcat Sylvia patrols the kitchen counter.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXVII

In November 2016, Watchcat Sylvia sensed trouble brewing across the kitchen:

To her credit, she was ready to pounce when necessary:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXVI

Some watchcats will predict your future by reading your palm.  In fact, Watchcat Lily won't rely just on her own judgment; she'll also consult her reflection to make sure your readings are aligned:

October 6, 2021: Watchcat (and oracle) Lily.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXV

During a break for water, your watchcat might test the water temperature with her paw before drinking it:

If the water temperature is too warm for her taste, she'll call out, "Colder!"  This was Watchcat Lily's tactic yesterday:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXIV

Admittedly, I know there's a quid pro quo arrangement with watchcats.  Watchcat Collette told me she knows today is my birthday and she'll convey appropriate enthusiasm.  First, though, I have to feed her:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXIII

I know this look.  It's the countenance of a watchcat whose eyes convey, "Yes, I cause my share of mischief, but never forget that as your watchcat, I shield you from intruders' mischief."  So inferred Watchcat Collette this morning:

Watchcat protocol CMLXXII

When a watchcat glares at you this sternly, make sure you have a good explanation for being in his assigned sector:

October 2014: Watchcat Sammy views a visitor with suspicion.

Watchcat protocol CMLXXI

Thought you'd just walk around the corner to avoid the watchcat?  No such luck:

November 2010: Watchcat Rosie sometimes popped up in places where she wasn't expected.

Watchcat protocol CMLXX

Intruders are less likely to breach a watchcat's assigned sector when they think a watchcat is about to cast a spell on them:

October 2005: Watchcat Rosie, putting a hex on intruders.

Watchcat protocol CMLXIX

You never know when a watchcat might be watching you from behind a chair:

September 2004: There was no escaping Watchcat Sammy's laser-focused eyes.