Watchcat protocol MDCCXLIX

Intruders were no match for Watchcat Lily and her backup watchanimals, the Fearsome Four, on June 15, 2022:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLVIII

If you're a visitor who hasn't signed in at the front desk, the watchcat might look at you somewhat indignantly:

Watchcat Nemo took a dim view of visitors not following the rules in September 2014.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLVII

At first glance, a watchcat might not look that threatening.  Remember, however, that she can still stare everyone down--and use her claws when necessary:

November 2009: Watchcat Sylvia used her eyes and claws to her advantage during guard duty.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLVI

Watchcat Collette made sure my Webster-Kirkwood Times newspaper stayed right where I left it on November 17, 2023:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLV

Before guard duty begins, it's wise for watchcats to contemplate what security issues might arise:

 November 2005: Watchcat Rosie thinks a few things through before her shift starts.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLIV

Thanks to Watchcat Sammy's vigilance in November 2006, everything was calm in his assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLIII

In November 2009, Watchcat Sylvia showed a tough exterior to visitors:

In December 2010, she showed her softer side by smiling at her wooden watchcat backups:

Regardless of the front she put on during guard duty, she was a wonderfully kindhearted watchcat during her entire time with me.  Four years ago, her life ended.  I still think about Sylvia every day--and marvel at how any living being could be so consistently good-natured.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLII

Outdoor watchcats aren't always approachable, but they appreciate a thoughtful Thanksgiving dinner as much as the next cat.  Also, make sure to thank them for the security they provide:

Stray Cat hissed after he was offered food in November 2003, but he appreciated the gesture--and ate the food.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXLI

When you approach a watchcat's sofa, expect the watchcat to ask who you're visiting.  Don't be put off by this; Watchcat Headquarters mandates it to ensure everyone's safety:

November 2008: Watchcat Nemo waits to quiz visitors at his guard post.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXL

A watchcat doesn't always have to look menacing.  During the peaceful evening of November 9, 2023, Watchcat Lily recalled various adventures she has had as a security guard and smiled:

As long as watchcats monitor their assigned sectors responsibly, it's fine for them to be nostalgic on the job.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXIX

Visitors might have thought Watchcat Sammy was passive, but he commanded attention in November 2009:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXVIII

As long as visitors are behaving respectfully, Watchcat Collette will reciprocate:

She will not be a pushover, however, as her expression on November 17, 2023 indicated:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXVII

Watchcat Rosie's comfy guard post didn't make her soft when admonishing intruders in November 2008:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXVI

The drone flying overhead didn't deter Watchcat Collette from guarding her assigned sector zealously on August 26, 2021:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXV

Watchcat Nemo was quick to spot trespassers in his assigned sector...

...and so was his backup, the sea lion, in December 2013.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXIV

As long as they continue to monitor their assigned sectors, it's fine for watchcats to contemplate the vastness of the universe during guard duty:

Watchcat Lily had lofty thoughts on November 9, 2023.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXIII

Tasty faucet water awaited Watchcat Sylvia during guard duty in May 2016:

Anticipating it made her smile.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXII

Those who wanted to check out books in May 2004 had to obtain clearance from the librarian, Watchcat Sammy:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXXI

Thanks to Watchcat Rosie's steady, reliable presence, her assigned sector had no security breaches in July 2008:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXX

I'm not certain if my recollection is accurate.  Based on Watchcat Collette's narrowed eyes, however, I think she was about to confront a trespasser on April 2, 2023:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXIX

Thanks to Watchcat Lily's guard duty prowess, no scoundrel absconded with the visitor's jacket yesterday:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXVIII

Watchcat Nemo listened to visitors with an open mind in October 2013:

If their points were considerably flawed, however, he turned skeptical:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXVII

Watchcat Sylvia expected attendees to be on time for lunch in July 2014:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXVI

It's an arcane policy, but watchcats are entitled to commandeer a visitor's feet:

Fortunately for Watchcat Rosie, her visitor in October 2009 cooperated with this practice.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXV

Thanks to his no-nonsense expression, I knew Watchcat Sammy was taking guard duty seriously in October 2003:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXIV

Just one look from Watchcat Collette on October 31, 2023 told intruders, "You're not getting past me--and if you think you are, I'll attack you with this dragonfly:"

 

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXIII

Amongst furniture and office supplies, Watchcat Lily found a guard post for herself in March 2020:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXII

A tight space might not look like it can accommodate a watchcat.  That doesn't mean a watchcat won't be observing you from it:

October 2009: Watchcat Sylvia monitors her assigned sector from a not-so-obvious place.

Watchcat protocol MDCCXXI

No one used the washing machine in November 2005 without permission from Watchcat Rosie:

Watchcat protocol MDCCXX

Watchcat Sammy was ready to vet visitors at the door in November 2004: