Watchcat protocol MDCLXI

It's best to ask before you pet a watchcat.  After all, he might want to show a tough exterior to visitors, as Watchcat Nemo did in September 2010:

Watchcat protocol MDCLX

In November 2008, Watchcats Rosie and Sammy covered their assigned sector by looking in different directions:

Watchcat protocol MDCLIX

Watchcat Collette apparently didn't think much of a trespasser's excuse for being in her assigned sector:

August 14, 2023: Watchcat Collette didn't hide her disdain for an unauthorized visitor's flawed reasoning.

Watchcat protocol MDCLVIII

You can sink into a chair, but that won't prevent a watchcat from keeping tabs on you:

August 24, 2023: Watchcat Lily makes sure a visitor stays within her field of vision.

Watchcat protocol MDCLVII

Intruders might be inclined to leave well enough alone when encountering a watchcat who looks slightly unhinged:

Watchcat Sylvia looked just manic enough to deter trespassers in May 2009.

Watchcat protocol MDCLVI

On August 24, 2023, Watchcat Lily confirmed that her backup security guards, Proxy Nemo and Nemo fish, were clear on their assignments:

Fortunately, they were up to speed, so the night went off without a hitch.

Watchcat protocol MDCLV

No one dared to touch Watchcat Collette's food tray yesterday when she shot them this look:

Watchcat protocol MDCLIV

Watchcat Nemo looked sternly at an intruder in October 2017 and waited for the trespasser's feeble excuse:

Watchcat protocol MDCLIII

Watchcat Rosie took charge of a situation in October 2009.  Her stage two poltergeist eyes told unauthorized visitors, "My brother, Watchcat Sammy, is about to take a nap, so you'd better not disturb him--and you'd better not disturb me by staying in our assigned sector:"

A watchcat can say a lot with her eyes.

Watchcat protocol MDCLII

When a watchcat gives you this look, it's wise to have a good reason for being in his assigned sector:

November 2014: Watchcat Nemo looked skeptical but would entertain reasonable explanations from unauthorized visitors in his assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol MDCLI

Due to Watchcat Lily's stern countenance, no one dared to commit any mayhem near the kitchen counter:

April 14, 2022: Thanks to Watchcat Lily's guidance, there was no tomfoolery in the kitchen.

Watchcat protocol MDCL

Watchcat Sylvia had limited tolerance for rowdy behavior in her assigned sector:

Her stern glare said it all in April 2015.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLIX

On August 14, 2023, Watchcat Collette assumed correctly that no trespasser would walk off with the newspaper she was guarding or even approach the kitchen table:

Watchcat protocol MDCXLVIII

Watchcat Rosie was skeptical about a stranger's reason for visiting her assigned sector in September 2006:

She did the prudent thing and alerted Watchcat Headquarters.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLVII

A watchcat might get in your face but won't necessarily be obnoxious about it:

March 2009: Watchcat Sammy approaches a visitor on the stairs.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLVI

This might not look like the most practical spot for a guard post, but it served Watchcat Lily well in September 2019:

Lily was able to keep a low profile, as visitors didn't even know she was there.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLV

In April 2012, no one was allowed to read the newspapers before Watchcat Sylvia:

I wanted Sylvia to be as informed as I was, so I didn't quibble with this routine.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLIV

Watchcat Collette always knows when to stop using the scratching post.  When the situation demands it, she'll put up her dukes and defend her assigned sector:

August 14, 2023: Watchcat Collette, alert as usual.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLIII

Watchcat Nemo closed his eyes briefly while washing his face in June 2014.  He had full confidence in Proxy Nemo's ability to guard the assigned sector:

After all, Proxy Nemo learned what he knew about guard duty from Watchcat Nemo.  That's the type of protege Watchcat Headquarters wants.

Watchcat protocol MDCXLII

The visitor's behavior in July 2006 didn't warrant a confrontation--yet.  If it did, Watchcat Sammy was ready--to notify his sister, Watchcat Rosie:

Watchcat protocol MDCXLI

Was the visitor authorized to be in Watchcat Rosie's assigned sector on October 23, 2005?  Rosie wasn't entirely convinced:

Watchcat protocol MDCXL

Watchcat Simon wasn't one to throw his weight around, but in 1995, he made sure that no unauthorized visitors sat in a basement chair:

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXIX

Forty years ago, my father announced, "I got this cat..."  With that, four decades of family cat ownership began.  Watchcat Rusty's friendly demeanor and dedicated service as a guard set an example for all subsequent family watchcats to follow on August 9, 1983.  In 1995, he even ran a newsstand from the kitchen table:

Rusty's accessible demeanor made him an ideal watchcat and a great pet.  His 17 years of devoted service and good-natured personality warrant admiration and respect.

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXVIII

Being housebound didn't stop Watchcat Lily from monitoring her assigned sector on October 25, 2019:

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXVII

Watchcat Nemo listened carefully to the classified information his sea lion divulged in July 2012:

I have no idea how he acted on the sea lion's news, but I'm sure Nemo's judgment was sound.

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXVI

Need a bolt tightened on a piece of machinery?  A watchcat will take care of it:

Watchcat Sylvia became a mechanic for a day in November 2013.

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXV

Watchcats don't always have the luxury of time when making decisions.  When they do, however, it's wise for them to ruminate:

Watchcat Sammy thought deeply about a security issue before taking action in April 2007.

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXIV

There was no arguing with Watchcat Rosie in December 2008.  Just with her eyes, she proclaimed, "I am your protector!  No charlatan will cross my path without consequences, for I am Watchcat Rosie!"  I didn't doubt her for even a moment:

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXIII

I told Watchcat Collette that she didn't have to be on guard duty so soon after dental surgery yesterday.  She insisted on working a partial shift, though, to show everyone what a warrior she was:

I'm so proud of her for showing such endurance.

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXII

A backup watchcat might have to take over security duties briefly when you're stroking the watchcat's chin:

After all, watchcats should be able to close their eyes blissfully in such circumstances, as Watchcat Lily did on July 20, 2022.

Watchcat protocol MDCXXXI

Watchcat Collette had a gleam in her eyes on June 23, 2021.  She knew that when the washing machine finished a cycle with my clothes, I'd have to put the clothes in the dryer.  I also kept her food above the dryer, so she knew I'd likely cave in and give her a snack:

 She knows me all too well.