Watchcat protocol MCMXCIII

I'm not sure what sparked the assignment, but in July 2005, Watchcat Headquarters asked Watchcat Sammy to see that no one jumped out of a shoe box:

I still wonder if a frog had been spotted in Watchcat Sammy's assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol MCMXCII

Watchcat Collette could have attacked the dragonfly toy on July 28, 2024:

Instead, however, she continued to monitor her assigned sector:

That's how devoted she is to her security guard duties.

Watchcat protocol MCMXCI

A watchcat's expression can tell an unauthorized visitor a lot about the watchcat's state of mind.  In July 2004, Watchcat Rosie's expression indicated, "So, we meet again--and I'm not the least bit intimidated:"

Watchcat protocol MCMXC

Watchcat Collette was readily combative toward anyone who challenged her authority on November 17, 2021:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXIX

If you're going to wake up a watchcat, you'd better have a good reason for doing so:

Watchcat Lily was slightly miffed at being awakened in November 2019, but she took her unexpected security bulletin in stride.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXVIII

It might have looked like Watchcat Nemo was lounging around in May 2016, but he was actually working:

Thanks to his vigilance, no intruder dared to cross the threshold of his assigned sector.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXVII

Was the visitor in May 2013 a friend or a foe?  Based on Watchcat Sylvia's expression, I'm guessing a foe--or someone, at least, who didn't have proper clearance to be in Sylvia's assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXVI

Watchcats sometimes settle disputes between visitors.  Visitors must accept, however, that a watchcat's verdict is final:

April 2009: Watchcat Rosie relished her opportunities to pass judgment.  Visitors refrained from telling her they could appeal her verdicts to Watchcat Headquarters.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXV

A drop cloth isn't the most intimidating site for a guard post, but Watchcat Sammy conveyed authority while using it in May 2007:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXIV

Watchcat Collette was so confident in her guarding abilities on July 10, 2024 that she didn't even open her eyes fully:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXIII

Watchcat Nemo was relatively relaxed in December 2013.  His eyes were still firmly on everyone who visited, however:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXII

When a watchcat shoots you this disapproving look, you're not welcome in her assigned sector:

February 16, 2023: Watchcat Lily has a knack for knowing who's an authorized visitor and who's a trespasser.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXXI

Watchcat Rosie knew when to be skeptical toward visitors' claims of authenticity in February 2009:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXX

I'm not sure what nefarious activity was taking place in Watchcat Sammy's assigned sector.  I know, though, that Sammy kept his eyes on it in June 2006:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXIX

Watchcat Sylvia didn't let the enclosed world of her cat carrier fence her in.  She still monitored her assigned sector adroitly in August 2011:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXVIII

Watchcat Nemo made sure only authorized visitors used the hand towels in the guest bathroom:

He enforced this rule to the satisfaction of Watchcat Headquarters in October 2011.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXVII

Watchcat Lily was receptive to being petted in Spring 2019 for guarding her assigned sector effectively:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXVI

Watchcat Collette knew she could answer any security-related question confidently on July 10, 2024:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXV

Watchcat Sylvia didn't let the malaise of an ordinary day get her down during guard duty in July 2013:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXIV

Watchcat Rosie was starting to fade on October 9, 2003.  While she took a nap break, Watchcat Sammy surveyed their assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXIII

When a watchcat's focus on you is this unwavering, it's wise to adhere to visitor protocol:

Watchcat Nemo focused steadfastly on visitors in October 2009.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXII

Proceed carefully if you're going to criticize a watchcat's approach to guard duty.  If your criticism isn't phrased accurately and delivered politely, the watchcat will take umbrage:

July 10, 2024: Watchcat Collette didn't take kindly to a concern that Watchcat Headquarters raised.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXXI

When a watchcat narrows her eyes like this, she disapproves of your conduct:

July 4, 2023: Watchcat Lily was not amused.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXX

The basement stayed calm and orderly, thanks to Watchcat Rosie's sharp eyes in November 2002:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXIX

The kitchen stayed calm and orderly, thanks to Watchcat Sammy's sharp eyes in June 2006:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXVIII

Although Watchcat Sylvia was new to watchcat duty in July 2008, she caught on quickly that a watchcat's duty is to watch:

As intuitive as that sounds, it's still quite a responsibility to watch one's assigned sector for hours on end.  Watchcat Sylvia always managed it, to her credit.

Watchcat protocol MCMLXVII

Shortly after I took this photo in July 2013, Watchcat Nemo advised Proxy Nemo to move over slightly, so he'd be fully within the security camera's range:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXVI

Watchcat Lily's attitude on July 4, 2022 was, "Human who is petting me, I'm choosing to trust you--but I'm still scrutinizing you:"

Watchcat protocol MCMLXV

I'm not sure what captured Watchcat Collette's attention on June 29, 2024, but I trusted her priorities and attention to nuances:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXIV

A plastic bag is an unusual guard post.  Nevertheless, Watchcat Rosie still exuded her customary authority during guard duty on July 2, 2006:

Watchcat protocol MCMLXIII

What was that noise?  Did someone breach Watchcat Sammy's assigned sector?  Sammy aimed to find out in October 2008: