Watchcat protocol MCDLXXVII

Visitors who thought they could escape the security checkpoint without Watchcat Rosie vetting their credentials were simply naive:

March 2006: Her expression alone indicated that Watchcat Rosie took guard duty seriously.

Watchcat protocol MCDLXXVI

Visitors who thought they could escape the security checkpoint without Watchcat Sammy vetting their credentials were simply naive:

November 2007: His expression alone indicated that Watchcat Sammy took guard duty seriously.

Watchcat protocol MCDLXXV

After thinking things through on her meditation towel, Watchcat Lily was certain she made a correct security-related decision on January 26, 2023:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXXIV

When nothing eventful is happening, being a watchcat is sometimes tedious:

However, when nothing eventful is happening, that means things are peaceful.  That's a pretty great life, as Watchcat Sylvia saw it in May 2013:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXXIII

In April 2004, Watchcat Sammy's eyes conveyed to Watchcat Headquarters, "Look, Watchcat Rosie and I know what we're doing.  We're professional watchcats, and we know what this job requires."  Watchcat Headquarters backed off after picking up on this and gave Watchcats Sammy and Rosie greater autonomy:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXXII

Watchcat Nemo took command of his guard post early in his tenure.  When he told visitors to halt and be recognized in April 2008, they complied:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXXI

It's important for a watchcat to have self-reliance.  That's why Watchcat Collette turned to her own reflection for security advice on February 20, 2023:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXX

Looking after one's backup watchmouse is quite a responsibility, but Watchcat Sylvia was up for it in May 2009:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXIX

In April 2013, Watchcat Nemo honed in on everyone in his assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXVIII

In May 2010, trespassers learned quickly not to trifle with Watchcat Rosie.  After all, she saw red just thinking about the possibility of anyone defying her:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXVII

Watchcats don't have to lick their mouths in anticipation of attacking a scratching post during agility training.  Watchcat Headquarters encourages it, though:

February 12, 2023: Watchcat Collette relishes her agility training session.

Watchcat protocol MCDLXVI

Want to make sure no one scuffs up your shoes or walks off with them?  Ask a watchcat to guard them:

February 17, 2023: Watchcat Lily kept tabs on the shoes this morning.

Watchcat protocol MCDLXV

Watchcat Sammy opened his eyes wide while sitting on the microwave during guard duty:

Visitors knew they were being watched in August 2003.

Watchcat protocol MCDLXIV

Watchcat backups need their watchcats to be approachable.  Fortunately, Watchcat Nemo was open to hearing his watchbird's security procedure suggestion in June 2015:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXIII

It's reassuring when a watchcat's expression indicates, "Don't worry, visitor.  You're with me, so you know you'll be safe."  Watchcat Lily gave off that vibe in March 2021:

Watchcat protocol MCDLXII

Watchcat Headquarters doesn't require watchcats to show enthusiasm during agility training, but it's encouraged:

Watchcat Collette showed considerable manic energy when attacking the Cat Dancer toy yesterday.

Watchcat protocol MCDLXI

Watchcat Sylvia could have been drinking faucet water, but her dedication to guard duty made her survey her assigned sector instead:

She showed such dedication in November 2013.

Watchcat protocol MCDLX

Watchcat Rosie's expression in March 2009 conveyed that she'd caught the toy mouse and her agility training session was complete:

Watchcat protocol MCDLIX

Were you thinking of using the piano pedal when it conflicted with a composer's intent?  Well, don't.  You never know when a watchcat will admonish you for it:

April 2003: Watchcat Sammy made sure that piano players didn't take liberties with the pieces they played.  Admittedly, this is one of a watchcat's lesser known responsibilities.

Watchcat protocol MCDLVIII

A good idea for improving security procedures can come from almost anywhere.  On June 15, 2022, Watchcat Lily paused to consider a suggestion from her backup watchmouse:

Watchcat protocol MCDLVII

Proxy Nemo was close at hand if Watchcat Nemo needed help guarding his assigned sector in June 2013:

Watchcat protocol MCDLVI

If you were in Watchcat Sammy's assigned sector in April 2012, you might have thought you'd escaped his notice:

You didn't.  Watchcat Sammy saw you.

Watchcat protocol MCDLV

Early in her tenure, a watchcat's expression might convey, "I'm still new to guard duty, so I'm humble enough to realize that.  I'm getting the hang of knowing who's a friend and who's a foe, though."  That was Watchcat Sylvia's outlook in July 2008:

Watchcat protocol MCDLIV

When a watchcat gives you this haughty look, it's wise to justify why you're in her assigned sector:

February 2006: Watchcat Rosie's word was law during guard duty.

Watchcat protocol MCDLIII

When a watchcat is this wild-eyed during agility training, it's usually a good sign.  Typically, it means she's unlikely to slough off guard duty:

February 2, 2023: Fortunately, Watchcat Collette's manic focus on the Cat Dancer toy carried over to her focus on visitors during guard duty.

Watchcat protocol MCDLII

Don't even think about getting away with anything when a watchcat locks eyes with you:

May 2015: Watchcat Nemo's eyes zeroed in on a visitor.

Watchcat protocol MCDLI

Watchcat Collette had another impressive agility training session this afternoon:

The more I think about it, though, I'm not sure why Watchcat Headquarters requires Collette to still have agility training.  I know the rules apply to all watchcats, but Watchcat Headquarters already knows how agile she is.  For that matter, so does everyone who encounters her.  Why, then, should she have to keep proving it to Watchcat Headquarters?

Oh, well.  Rules are rules, I guess.

Incidentally, Watchcat Collette saw her shadow today.  She told me that means she'll bite my feet for at least six more weeks.  I've since learned that would still be the case if she hadn't seen her shadow.  I don't think that's fair to me, but I've learned not to argue with Watchcat Headquarters--or always agile Watchcat Collette.

Watchcat protocol MCDL

I could tell Watchcat Rosie was alert and looking out for my security in April 2009: