Witch cat watchcat protocol XXXIX

Three witch cats took their Autumn harvest responsibilities seriously by guarding pumpkins and corn on October 6, 2023:

They'll continue their vigilance tonight.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXIX

Watchcat Nemo was such a talented security guard.  In October 2010, he monitored his assigned sector with a paw covering one eye:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXVIII

Intruders don't usually trespass this low to the ground.  Watchcat Lily was ready for them when they did, though, on November 10, 2019:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXVII

Watchcat Sammy was generally passive, but he still glared disapprovingly at trespassers in October 2013:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXVI

In July 2011, Watchcat Rosie kept watch over her assigned sector--and me:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXV

Watchcat Collette captured the toy mouse during agility training on January 7, 2023:

That was her primary goal, so anything she accomplished after that was just gravy to her.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXIV

Want to make sure that your path contains no threats or obstacles?  Ask a watchcat to walk ahead of you and suss out the area:

November 2009: Watchcat Nemo checked out the footpath his guardian planned to take.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXIII

In November 2009, Watchcat Sylvia was comfortable--and alert:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXII

Watchcat Nemo received some reassuring pets from his guardian in October 2010:

Nemo didn't verbalize it, but I'm sure he appreciated the recognition for a job well done.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXI

If you're offered a watchcat gig that you can do from the comfort of your own house, it just makes sense to take it:

That was Watchcat Lily's rationale on October 25, 2019.

Watchcat protocol MDCCX

I was glad to see Watchcat Sylvia and her backup watchbirds having a tranquil day in June 2017:

Watchcat protocol MDCCIX

It wasn't just chomping into the Cat Dancer toy on February 12, 2023 that satisfied Watchcat Collette:

It was the anticipation of chomping into the Cat Dancer toy.

Watchcat protocol MDCCVIII

Watchcat Sammy was at ease guarding a large assigned sector of the basement in November 2003:

Watchcat protocol MDCCVII

In June 2009, Watchcat Rosie's tough exterior kept visitors in line:

Watchcat protocol MDCCVI

Watchcats rely on camouflage when it's appropriate:

Watchcat Nemo blended in with his guard station in November 2016.

Watchcat protocol MDCCV

Watchcats are permitted to take fur-washing breaks, as Watchcat Collette did on September 23, 2023:

Watchcat protocol MDCCIV

Watchcat Lily could have succumbed to the temptation of a box of cat toys.  Instead, she showed commendable willpower by continuing to guard her assigned sector on October 6, 2023:

Watchcat protocol MDCCIII

During guard duty in October 2016, Watchcat Sylvia resisted the allure of cat toys and stayed focused on her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MDCCII

Nothing came between Watchcat Rosie and her shoes in August 2006:

Watchcat protocol MDCCI

Sometimes, a watchcat can stop mischief with his eyes:

In October 2005, Watchcat Sammy's eyes conveyed to an intruder, "I know what you're up to, and it must end this instant."

Watchcat protocol MDCC

Watchcat Sylvia's menacing expression made trespassers retreat in May 2013:

Watchcat protocol MDCXCIX

Per Watchcat Headquarters, Watchcat Nemo guarded his assigned sector successfully while making sure no one absconded with a piece of carpet:

Nemo was quite adept at multitasking in October 2015.

Watchcat protocol MDCXCVIII

Nothing came between Watchcat Sammy and his shoes in November 2006:

Watchcat protocol MDCXCVII

A watchcat's guard post isn't always where you might expect it.  In October 2006, for instance, Watchcat Rosie used a dining room chair as her lookout point:

Watchcat protocol MDCXCVI

It's sometimes hard for a watchcat to concentrate on guarding her assigned sector when her food bowl is empty:

She'll have a forlorn look in her eyes, indicating her desire to be fed:

A reassuring chin-stroking from her guardian will assure her that food is on the way:

That was the progression of events for Watchcat Lily yesterday.

Witch cat watchcat protocol XXXVIII

Backup watchcats are essential when your primary watchcat needs a nap break...

...takes a paw-washing break...

...or requests guard duty assistance:

Watchcat Collette and her backup witch cats have worked well together this morning.  It doesn't hurt that the witch cats can resort to sorcery, when necessary, with trespassers.

Watchcat protocol MDCXCV

When you approach a watchcat's guardian, expect the watchcat to ask if you have an appointment:

October 2013: Watchcat Nemo made sure visitors called before stopping by.

Watchcat protocol MDCXCIV

Watchcat Sammy's guard duty shift was nearing its end in June 2005.  Shortly after I took this photo, he climbed down from the microwave, and Watchcat Rosie took over:

Watchcat protocol MDCXCIII

A cat carrier is an unusual place for a guard post, but that's where the comfy towel and Watchcat Sylvia were in November 2012:

Watchcat protocol MDCXCII

Watchcat Lily scoffed at the notion of anyone trespassing in her assigned sector:

Just the notion of it amused her on September 28, 2023:

Witch cat watchcat protocol XXXVII

The witch cats stayed perfectly still, so Watchcat Collette wouldn't knock them over:

That tactic worked for them on September 25, 2023.