Watchcat protocol MLXXXIX

Watchcat Rosie kept a sharp eye on her assigned sector's visitors in March 2011:

Her assured look let everyone know that she had everything under control:

Watchcat protocol MLXXXVIII

It's reassuring when your watchcat conveys the attitude, "I'm an old hand at guard duty.  I know what to expect."  Watchcat Sylvia projected this vibe in February 2014:

Watchcat protocol MLXXXVII

It was time for a shift change in October 2014.  Watchcat Sammy's guard duty shift was about to end for the day.  He saw that his sister, Watchcat Rosie, was ready to take over, so he descended the staircase by his guard post:

Watchcat protocol MLXXXVI

Watchcats can say a lot with their eyes.  In March 2010, Watchcat Nemo's eyes conveyed to a visitor, "I don't know who you are, but if you step out of line, Watchcat Headquarters authorizes me to pummel you with the tiger tail of justice:"

Visitors always behaved themselves after that.  After all, no one wants to face the tiger tail of justice.

Watchcat protocol MLXXXV

In Spring 2013, Watchcat Sylvia was surprised to see a watchbird arrive.  He claimed that Watchcat Headquarters said he was on backup guard duty that day.  Sylvia kept him in quarantine until getting clearance and an apology from Watchcat Headquarters for not informing her of the schedule addition:

Watchcat protocol MLXXXIV

Watchcat Sylvia took a fur-washing break in December 2008...

...and then went right back to looking out for me while using me as her guard post:

She was always responsible that way.

Watchcat protocol MLXXXIII

Watchcat Lily unnerved intruders on January 20, 2022 by taking poltergeist eyes to the next level:

Watchcat protocol MLXXXII

In March 2010, Watchcat Nemo showed fierce dedication to guard duty while staying comfortable:

Watchcat protocol MLXXXI

Watchcat Headquarters sometimes designates guard posts in odd places.  Nevertheless, Watchcat Rosie took her guard duty assignment seriously in July 2008:

Watchcat protocol MLXXX

Not just anyone can walk into a watchcat's assigned sector and recycle paper goods.  Watchcat Rosie made sure of that in May 2006:

Watchcat protocol MLXXIX

You know a watchcat has your back when she uses your lap as her guard post:

January 20, 2022: Watchcat Lily smiles with confidence, knowing that her guardian is safe.

Watchcat protocol MLXXVIII

It's advantageous to be one of two sibling watchcats.  That way, you're able to pick up the slack on guard duty when your brother gets poltergeist eyes...

 ...and allow your brother to return the favor when you have that same affliction:

April 2012: Watchcats Sammy and Rosie grappled with Poltergeist Eye Syndrome at different times.

Watchcat protocol MLXXVII

People cross their fingers for good luck, so it's reasonable for watchcats to do the same with their paws:

April 2014: Watchcat Sammy crossed his paws for good luck.

Watchcat protocol MLXXVI

Watchcat Collette was miffed when a cardboard tube wandered into her assigned sector this morning:

When she heard the tube's tale of woe, however, she became sympathetic:

The tube and Collette are now good friends:

I don't know the tube's backstory, but I trust Collette's judgment.  I applaud her for keeping an open mind and not casting the tube out callously.

Watchcat protocol MLXXV

Watchcats Sammy and Rosie weren't sure what to make of a suspicious visitor in April 2009.  They were confident, however, that their confrontation would make the unauthorized guest depart:

Watchcat protocol MLXXIV

Watchcat Rosie's attitude toward a visitor in July 2011 was, "I'm not going to confront you just yet, but I have my eye on you:"

Watchcat protocol MLXXIII

Watchcat Sammy didn't expect any trespassers to scuff up the bathroom tiles on February 1, 2006:

After all, if any marauders showed that kind of nerve, Watchcat Rosie was there to catch them in the act:

Watchcat protocol MLXXII

When a watchcat requests it, Watchcat Headquarters will provide a perch for a guard post.  From that vantage point, watchcats can look commanding and narrow their eyes when necessary:

January 14, 2022: Watchcat Collette lets visitors know with her eyes that she won't tolerate any tomfoolery.

Watchcat protocol MLXXI

In March 2017, Watchcat Nemo's mindset appeared to be, "I'm watching my assigned sector.  Trusted visitors are allowed to stroke my chin, though:"

Watchcat protocol MLXX

Don't think you can fool a watchcat with some preposterous tall tale about why you're in his assigned sector.  The watchcat will see right through your ruse, as Watchcat Sammy did in April 2013:

Watchcat protocol MLXIX

It's always good to see a watchcat looking dignified during guard duty.  Such was the case with Watchcat Sammy in Spring 2016:

Watchcat protocol MLXVIII

In June 2009, Watchcat Sylvia conveyed frequently to me that she was my protector--on the floor...

...and on the sofa:

I never doubted her.

Watchcat protocol MLXVII

Because her brother, Watchcat Sammy, might have chewed the cords, Watchcat Headquarters assigned Watchcat Rosie to guard electronic devices in June 2003:

Watchcat protocol MLXVI

Watchcats don't always use fear and intimidation to keep intruders in line.  Sometimes, a watchcat will open his eyes wide and ask, "Do you really expect me to believe that you didn't know this sector is off limits?"  Watchcat Nemo used this tactic effectively in April 2010:

Watchcat protocol MLXV

Watchcat Sammy looked like he wanted to take a nap in July 2006, but his sense of obligation made him stay awake during guard duty:

Watchcat protocol MLXIV

Once Watchcat Rosie had a suspicious visitor in her sight, she didn't lose focus:

When the interloper moved to another part of the room, she moved there, as well:

There was no questioning Watchcat Rosie's dedication to guard duty in February 2006.

Watchcat protocol MLXIII

Keeping tabs on the world outside of one's assigned sector is a tall order, but Watchcat Nemo pulled it off in March 2009.  Luckily, the fact that it was a blank void at the time made things easier:

Watchcat protocol MLXII

In her assigned sector, no intruder escapes a confrontation with Watchcat Collette:

January 3, 2022: Watchcat Collette was ready to hector intruders at the front door--and possibly bite their feet.

Watchcat protocol MLXI

I'm not sure if Watchcat Lily's subtle smile on December 16, 2021 was due to her confidence or knowing that it was highly unlikely that an intruder would dart under the table.  Either way, it was good to see her look happy:

 

Watchcat protocol MLX

Sometimes, your watchcat might crave a drink of kitchen sink water:

Why not reward her by turning on the faucet, as I did for Watchcat Sylvia in January 2016?

Watchcat protocol MLIX

New Year's Day is a holiday, so the museum is closed.  Watchcat Headquarters gives its watchcats the day off and lets them slumber:

 

January 2004: A watchhuman was the museum security guard while Watchcats Sammy and Rosie slept.