Watchcat protocol MCDXVIII

What was around the bend?  Watchcat Sammy kept a safe distance while monitoring the situation in January 2005:

May we all maintain that wise combination of vigilance and caution in 2023.

Watchcat protocol MCDXVII

When a watchcat is sleepy but still on guard duty, a cat toy can be a chinrest:

December 2003: Watchcat Rosie rests her chin on a cat toy while trying to stay awake.

Watchcat protocol MCDXVI

Any trespassers who got in through the balcony and aimed to escape through the front door had to explain themselves to Watchcat Nemo in January 2009:

Watchcat protocol MCDXV

In November 2008, Watchcat Sylvia scanned her assigned sector:

Fortunately, everything was peaceful, so she was able to relax during guard duty.

Watchcat protocol MCDXIV

Watchcats don't always have to jump at every opportunity during agility training.  Sometimes, when the trainer presents you with a feathered cat toy, it's permissible to study it first:

March 2010: Watchcat Nemo waits for the right time to pounce on a toy.

Watchcat protocol MCDXIII

On December 7, 2022, Watchcat Collette hatched a plan to vanquish trespassers.  She clasped her paws together and developed poltergeist eyes at the thought of carrying it out:

Watchcat Headquarters told Collette it wasn't necessary to smite her enemies and that more conventional guarding tactics were advisable.  Collette thought it over and settled on a statelier approach toward guard duty:

I'm glad she did that.  Smiting one's enemies doesn't show Christmas spirit.

Watchcat protocol MCDXII

When a watchcat works Christmas Day, it's reasonable for her to have a comfy guard post:

December 25, 2022: Watchcat Lily monitors her assigned sector from a suitably plush guard station.

Watchcat protocol MCDXI

Unearthed more ornaments for your Christmas tree?  A watchcat can be on hand to help you decorate the tree:

November 2009: Watchcat Sammy keeps an eye on the ornaments.

Watchcat protocol MCDX

Intruders didn't expect a watchcat to be stationed under the Christmas tree, so Watchcat Rosie was ready to leap out at them in December 2003:

Watchcat protocol MCDIX

Although the Christmas tree's glow was enticing on December 15, 2022, Watchcat Lily stayed focused on her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MCDVIII

On December 25, 2008, Watchcat Sylvia stalked her Christmas sock toy:

Then, she threw herself into playing with it:

It's always heartwarming when your watchcat appreciates a well-chosen gift.

Watchcat protocol MCDVII

If prowlers were lurking on December 24, 2015, Watchcat Nemo and Proxy Nemo were ready for them:

Watchcat protocol MCDVI

Even on Christmas Day, Watchcat Sammy guarded his assigned sector vigilantly:

December 25, 2004: Watchcat Sammy didn't complain about his guard post being under a table.

Watchcat protocol MCDV

On December 14, 2022, a suspicious noise made Watchcat Collette get up and scan her assigned sector for trouble:

Fortunately, there was no foul play.  Sometimes, a noise is just a noise.

Watchcat protocol MCDIV

Watchcat Rosie let prowlers know she wasn't afraid to knock them out in December 2005:

Watchcat protocol MCDIII

Proxy Nemo, Blue Cat, and Nemo Fish were on special assignment last night for Watchcat Headquarters, leaving Watchcat Lily to monitor a large assigned sector:

Naturally, she handled this task with her customary aplomb.

Watchcat protocol MCDII

Even on Christmas Day, watchcats must make sure no harm comes to their guardians and trusted visitors.  Watchcat Sammy established a boundary on December 25, 2006.  Visitors who hadn't been vetted weren't allowed to proceed past the tip of Sammy's outstretched paw:

Watchcat protocol MCDI

Was that a prowler Watchcat Rosie saw in December 2002?

I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure Rosie sprang into action shortly after this photo was taken:

Watchcat protocol MCD

When trespassers are being especially brazen, a watchcat might let out a confrontational roar:

November 2010: Watchcat Sylvia lets trespassers know their behavior won't be tolerated.

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCIX

Watchcat Nemo took a moment during his break to view Christmas tree lights--or their reflection, more accurately--in December 2011:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCVIII

Watchcats deserve breaks every so often to play with their cat toys.  On December 8, 2022, Watchcat Collette cradled a favorite toy mouse...

...and had fun with her preferred jingle toy:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCVII

Trespassers did not escape Watchcat Nemo's notice in October 2012:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCVI

It's important for watchcats to stay hydrated.  It's also exciting for a watchcat to anticipate that first taste of fresh faucet water:

December 8, 2022: Watchcat Lily savors not only the water but the anticipation of tasting it.

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCV

I knew Watchcat Sylvia was there for me when she used me as her guard post in December 2008:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCIV

Watchcat Sammy ensured that musical instruments and gear were secure in January 2004:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCIII

I'm not sure how a scratching post could cause mischief, but Watchcat Collette said it needed to be subdued on December 3, 2022:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCII

Watchcat Rosie was ready to confront any trespassers who washed their hands in January 2007:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXCI

The gift wrap was secure when Watchcat Sammy guarded it in December 2005:

Watchcat protocol MCCCXC

You might not always understand why your watchcat acts the way she does.  It's advisable to remember that you're on the same team, and she has your best interests at heart:

September 2022: An obviously confident Watchcat Collette on guard duty.  Today marks three years since I adopted her, and I have no doubt about her toughness.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXIX

Did the jacket tie pose a threat in December 2008?

Watchcat Nemo determined correctly that it didn't:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXVIII

Watchcat Lily struck a heroic pose yesterday, assuring her guardian that no harm would come to either of them:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXVII

Watchcat Sylvia didn't expect any trespassers to walk around the corner in December 2009:

She was ready, however, in case they did:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXVI

Blending in with your surroundings is a smart tactic for a watchcat:

November 2003: Watchcat Rosie was in firm command of her assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXV

Watchcat Headquarters praised Stray Cat for braving the cold to be at his guard post in December 2003:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXIV

When you're a new watchcat, it's good to determine which footwear is comfortable for guard duty:

December 2019: Watchcat Collette tries on shoes--or one shoe, actually.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXIII

Watchcats, take note: Your guardian will find it reassuring when you look tough and menacing during guard duty:

November 17, 2022: Even the most clueless trespassers know not to cross Watchcat Lily when she makes these faces.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXII

Watchcat Nemo didn't allow just anyone to ascend the stairs in December 2008:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXXI

Watchcat Sylvia's approach to drinking faucet water in Summer 2016 was similar to the way some people approach Thanksgiving dinner.  First, you look at what you want to consume:

Then, you move in closer:

You savor what you're about to consume:

Next, you open your mouth:

Then, you consume it:

Three years ago, Watchcat Sylvia's life ended.  I think about her every day and grapple with the pain her absence causes.  I'm very thankful, however, for the 11 years and change she spent with me.  I hope that she's staying at least as well hydrated in the afterlife as she did during her faucet water days with me.