Watchcat protocol MCXLVIII

In Spring 2012, trespassers knew better than to traipse into the Watchcat Nemo/Proxy Nemo sector.  The unnerving stares from four watchcat eyes was enough of a deterrent:

Watchcat protocol MCXLVII

In March 2004, a guard post with a mirror provided a best-of-both-worlds situation for Watchcat Rosie.  She was able to monitor her assigned sector while admiring a strikingly gorgeous creature, i.e. herself:

Watchcat protocol MCXLVI

It didn't take Watchcat Nemo long to assume command of his guard post.  In Spring 2008, he had already mastered multiple expressions that implied, "You trespassers don't stand a chance against me.  It's preposterous to me that you would think otherwise."  Visitors picked up on this quickly:

Watchcat protocol MCXLV

During guard duty in March 2011, Watchcats Sammy and Rosie used a good cop/bad cop--or passive cop/aggressive cop?--strategy:

Then, to unnerve trespassers, both cats tried a good-cops-on-the-verge-of-becoming-bad-cops technique:

Their assigned sector was in especially good paws that night.

Watchcat protocol MCXLIV

A watchcat's guard post isn't always glaringly obvious.  Sometimes, a watchcat will observe her surrounding area from a grocery bag:

March 2011: Even if you were in her assigned sector, you might not have seen Watchcat Sylvia.  She saw you, though.

Watchcat protocol MCXLIII

If you didn't have clearance to ascend the stairs in March 2006, Watchcat Rosie wouldn't let you use them.  It was just that simple:

Watchcat protocol MCXLII

Think you can escape after a watchcat sees you?  No such luck.  The watchcat will stare right at you--and memorize your face:

March 23, 2022: Visitors will not escape the sharp eyes of Watchcat Lily.

Watchcat protocol MCXLI

Watchcat Collette made sure no trespasser walked off with my groceries on March 22, 2022:

Watchcat protocol MCXL

Up to no good?  Watchcat Lily sees you--unless you're outside her line of sight.  In that case, Proxy Nemo sees you:

February 21, 2022: The eyes of Proxy Nemo and Watchcat Lily are upon you--maybe.

Watchcat protocol MCXXXIX

Watchcats should always have easy access to clean faucet water.  They should also be rewarded frequently with faucet drinks, as Watchcat Nemo was in 2014:

Watchcat protocol MCXXXVIII

I know that look.  It's the look of a watchcat whose eyes say, "I trust you appreciate how I'm refraining from brushing myself, even though I'm so close to the brush.  I've chosen instead to look after you and this assigned sector because I'm a dedicated watchcat."  That was the attitude Watchcat Rosie conveyed in April 2014--or so I surmised:

Watchcat protocol MCXXXVII

Watchcat Rosie narrowed her eyes frequently at strangers who approached her guard post:

April 2010: Watchcat Rosie listens skeptically to a stranger's plea for access to her assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol MCXXXVI

Watchcat Sammy thought this was a puzzling place for a guard post in Spring 2003, but he didn't question the wisdom of Watchcat Headquarters:

He showed respect for the job by focusing on visitors and not eating the cords.

Watchcat protocol MCXXXV

Watchcat Sammy approached Watchcat Rosie with a security procedure question in April 2009:

He didn't know if she'd have the right answer.  He knew, however, that she would answer confidently, making her answer at least seem right.

Watchcat protocol MCXXXIV

A potentially turbulent situation was brewing in Summer 2013.  Consequently, Watchcat Nemo made the compassionate decision to shield his backup watchbird's eyes:

Watchcat protocol MCXXXIII

When unauthorized visitors get too close to a watchcat's assigned sector, she might command them to look into her eyes.  Then, she might hypnotize them:

April 2006: Trespassers couldn't help being hypnotized by the aquamarine glow in Watchcat Rosie's eyes.

Watchcat protocol MCXXXII

Despite being a tall cat, looking out this window was a stretch for Watchcat Sammy.  That didn't stop him from doing his best in April 2012, though:

Watchcat protocol MCXXXI

Occasionally, Watchcat Headquarters asks watchcats to guard a vehicle parked in their assigned sector:

April 2007: Watchcats Rosie and Sammy take on vehicular guard duty.

Watchcat protocol MCXXX

You might think a watchcat's guard post would be in a highly visible area, such as a countertop, chair, or sofa.  Not always:

April 2011: Watchcat Sylvia, ready to spring from her grocery bag.

Watchcat protocol MCXXIX

In June 2012, there were reports of mayhem breaking out in the turnaround of a racetrack.  Watchcat Headquarters assigned Watchcat Sylvia to keep things in check:

Watchcat protocol MCXXVIII

When a watchcat recognizes you as a previous visitor who has never caused any trouble, she'll likely smile at you before allowing you to pass:

March 9, 2022: Watchcat Lily, smiling at a friendly guest.

Watchcat protocol MCXXVII

Watchcat Collette does her best to stay open-minded.  She won't admonish visitors to her assigned sector unless they say or do something suspicious.  Still, she's on alert for anyone who might cross her:

March 9, 2022: Watchcat Collette surveys her assigned sector from the top of a laundry pile.

Watchcat protocol MCXXVI

Security guards have heard almost every excuse you can imagine from attempted trespassers.  Please forgive the watchcat, then, when she looks at you skeptically:

March 9, 2022: Watchcat Lily, looking leery as a guest approaches.

Watchcat protocol MCXXV

Watchcat Sylvia didn't expect any security breaches in July 2013, so Watchcat Headquarters allowed her to relax a little during guard duty:

Watchcat protocol MCXXIV

In Spring 2012, Watchcat Nemo trusted his sea lion protege to guard part of his assigned sector:

Fortunately, everything went smoothly.

Watchcat protocol MCXXIII

Per Watchcat Headquarters, Watchcat Sammy made sure no unauthorized visitor slipped past the designated checkpoint in April 2011:

Watchcat protocol MCXXII

Watchcats sometimes wash each other's fur considerately during their breaks:

April 2013: Watchcat Sammy washes a hard-to-reach spot on Watchcat Rosie's back.

Watchcat protocol MCXXI

Nothing says a watchcat can't protect her own brushes, as Watchcat Rosie did in April 2012:

Watchcat protocol MCXX

In June 2011, Watchcat Sylvia made sure that no one used the backrest but me...

...and her:

Watchcat protocol MCXIX

As the weather warms up, take pity on outdoor watchcats.  It isn't easy to sit in the hot sun and guard one's assigned sector:

June 2003: Stray Cat stays alert on a hot day.

Watchcat protocol MCXVIII

Don't be surprised if two watchcats stop talking suddenly when you approach them.  They might be discussing top secret security plans:

October 2010: Watchcats Sammy and Rosie make sure the coast is clear before resuming their discussion.