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.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXX

Watchcat Sammy made sure no trespassers sat down at the dining room table in November 2006:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXIX

No Watchcat Headquarters rule says a watchcat's guard post can't be comfortable:

November 2005: Watchcat Rosie enjoys her comfy throw cover guard post.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXVIII

Watchcat Nemo was fully alert and ready to confront trespassers in January 2014:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXVII

The trespassers thought they had escaped Watchcat Lily's notice on November 17, 2022, but they were wrong:

Lily saw them and admonished them in compliance with Watchcat Headquarters policy.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXVI

How do you entice your watchcat to use the scratching post?  Ask Watchcat Headquarters to make the scratching post your watchcat's guard duty station.  For good measure, conduct agility training at that site with one of her favorite cat toys:

November 19, 2022: Watchcat Collette rediscovers the scratching post and the Cat Dancer toy.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXV

Watchcat Sylvia could have been drinking water from the faucet in September 2011.  Instead, she felt compelled to scrutinize any visitor who entered the kitchen:

I was so proud of her dedication to her work.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXIV

When two watchcats are on duty, a division of labor is necessary.  In December 2005, Watchcat Rosie monitored happenings outside the basement, and Watchcat Sammy kept tabs on what happened inside it:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXIII

Ordinarily, Watchcat Headquarters frowns on watchcats closing their eyes during guard duty.  However, when you display your fangs fiercely enough, Watchcat Headquarters usually won't challenge you:

November 17, 2021: Trespassers avoided Watchcat Collette when her fangs were showing.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXII

Watchcat Nemo said a lot with his eyes in October 2011.  In this instance, he appeared to convey, "Trespasser, you must know that resistance to my directives is futile:"

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXXI

Watchcat Lily had the right attitude on November 10, 2022.  Her expression indicated, "No one will hassle you on my watch.  You can bet on that:"

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXX

It's considerate to give your watchcat a token of appreciation on or around Christmas:

December 2015: Watchcat Sylvia enjoys her new catnip toy.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXIX

Watchcats are entitled to nap breaks every so often.  When they take their naps, make sure to have at least one watchhuman on hand to keep an eye on things:

November 2004: Watchcats Sammy and Rosie take a Watchcat Headquarters-approved siesta.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXVIII

It's reassuring when a watchcat projects confidence.  Watchcat Lily demonstrated this during guard duty yesterday:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXVII

In January 2020, Watchcat Collette's ears picked up a disturbance.  Was it someone coming to take the groceries?  If so, Collette was ready:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXVI

Watchcat Sylvia's sly demeanor during guard duty in November 2008 masked a kind heart.  Actually, it didn't mask it entirely.  Anyone hearing Sylvia purr loudly would have inferred that she was thinking, "Yes, I'm watching this assigned sector, and trespassers aren't allowed, but as long as you leave quietly without breaking any other rules, this will end peacefully:"

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXV

Watchcat Nemo knew a tall tale when a trespasser told it.  His narrowed eyes in December 2010 made a scofflaw retreat quickly:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXIV

As demonstrated in November 2005, a two-watchcat security team offered considerable protection.  Watchcat Rosie monitored the upper level of the assigned sector...

...and Watchcat Sammy surveyed the lower level:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXIII

Two days ago, side one of an LP ended.  I got up to flip the record over but saw Watchcat Collette using the turntable as her guard post:

Side two just had to wait.  That's just the nature of being a watchcat guardian.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXII

When a watchcat opens her eyes this wide, she's encoding you into her memory.  If you're trespassing, it's advisable for you to leave:

November 2009: Wide-eyed Watchcat Sylvia knew how to focus.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLXI

Trespassers should have gleaned that Watchcat Nemo didn't allow them in his assigned sector.  In November 2010, he kept an arsenal of cat toy weapons nearby:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLX

Watchcat Lily looked right at me on October 6, 2022 and told me I was secure under her watch.  I believed her:

Watchcat protocol MCCCLIX

It was unlikely that some scofflaw would have absconded with a chair, but Watchcat Sammy was ready in case it happened:

October 2002: Watchcat Sammy didn't take chair duty lightly.

Watchcat protocol MCCCLVIII

As long as one eye is kept at least peripherally on one's assigned sector, nothing says a watchcat can't admire her reflection in the dishwasher:

August 2011: Watchcat Rosie and her reflection kept tabs on the kitchen.