Watchcat protocol MMCCIX

When you're getting your bearings as a new watchcat, it's flattering to have a guard station that meshes with your coat:

That was Watchcat Lily's preference, which Watchcat Headquarters honored on March 31, 2019.  The watchcat overlords will continue to honor Lily's requests in recognition of her six years of dedicated service.

Watchcat protocol MMCCVIII

When you're on alert for hours at a time, why not have a comfortable lounge guard post?

That was Watchcat Nemo's reasoning in March 2016.

Watchcat protocol MMCCVII

In June 2007, Watchcat Sammy told everyone about the fierce feline intruder he'd confronted:

"The fur was flying, as you can see," Sammy told us.  I took his word for it.

Watchcat protocol MMCCVI

Watchcat Rosie doubled as a musical concierge for her assigned sector in May 2003:

She sat ready to provide appropriate ambience for authorized visitors.

Watchcat protocol MMCCV

When Watchcat Sylvia struck this pose in April 2010, I knew she was about to deliver a serious security bulletin:

Watchcat protocol MMCCIV

Intruders probably wouldn't have burst in through the window on February 19, 2025.  Nevertheless, Watchcat Collette was ready to confront them:

Watchcat protocol MMCCIII

During the early months of her tenure, Watchcat Lily eased into guard duty by monitoring her assigned sector from the bathroom:

April 19, 2019: Watchcat Lily monitored her assigned sector from a secure vantage point while also doing some light plumbing work.

Watchcat protocol MMCCII

Sometimes, a situation is suspicious enough to warrant scrutiny from two watchcats:

Proxy Nemo and Watchcat Nemo were on the case in March 2016.

Watchcat protocol MMCCI

Watchcat Rosie's eyes conveyed, "That's right, visitor.  I'm looking at you," in June 2003:

 

Watchcat protocol MMCC

Watchcat Sammy was ready to spring from his guard post if necessary in March 2006:

Watchcat protocol MMCXCIX

Watchcat Sylvia perfected the art of sideways scrutiny during guard duty in February 2009:

Watchcat protocol MMCXCVIII

At first, Watchcat Headquarters wasn't convinced that Watchcat Collette needed a cardboard perch from which to survey her assigned sector.  On February 19, 2025, however, the watchcat overlords relented:

I agree with Collette that the elevation gives her additional gravitas.

Watchcat protocol MMCXCVII

Watchcat Lily distracted trespassers by turning her eyes different colors on September 29, 2022:

Watchcat protocol MMCXCVI

Despite the surrounding darkness, there was no escaping Watchcat Nemo's piercing focus on those in his assigned sector:

May 2014: Watchcat Nemo fixed his eyes on everyone in his jurisdiction.

Watchcat protocol MMCXCV

Who says a watchcat can't reserve a backrest by claiming it with her paw?

Watchcat Sylvia called dibs on a backrest in June 2011.

Watchcat protocol MMCXCIV

Sometimes, just narrowing one's eyes and maintaining a serious, fixed expression is enough to convince visitors that you guard your assigned sector fiercely:

This approach worked for Watchcat Rosie in June 2004.

Watchcat protocol MMCXCIII

Watchcat Sammy asked to immobilize the treadmill on April 2, 2003 so he could guard his assigned sector from a stationary location:

Watchcat protocol MMCXCII

On February 14, 2025, I suspected that Watchcat Collette was about to ask, "You know I've got this whole guarding-my-assigned-sector gig down to a finely tuned art, right?"

A watchcat's wry smile conveys a lot.

Watchcat protocol MMCXCI

On April 1, 2021, I suspected that Watchcat Lily was about to ask, "You know I've got this whole guarding-my-assigned-sector gig down to a finely tuned art, right?"

A watchcat's wry smile conveys a lot.

Watchcat protocol MMCXC

Watchcat Sylvia could have been reading the newspaper in June 2015.  Instead, she chose to guard her assigned sector meticulously:

Watchcat Headquarters commended her for being so focused.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXIX

It's permissible for authorized visitors to pet a watchcat, provided that they don't impede the watchcat's vision:

June 2012: Watchcat Nemo's guardian demonstrates one acceptable way of petting a watchcat.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXVIII

It's unusual for watchcats to have to monitor any type of aircraft in their indoor assigned sectors.  Watchcat Sammy handled this deftly, though, without complaint in January 2006:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXVII

Watchcat Collette had a serious security issue to discuss this morning:

It was evident in her eyes before she even spoke.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXVI

What was going on across the room?  Watchcat Rosie aimed to find out in March 2013:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXV

As Watchcat Collette's wry smile indicated on January 14, 2025, she looks out for all authorized visitors and me in her assigned sector:

Collette doesn't lack confidence in her safeguarding abilities.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXIV

Watchcat Lily was incredulous on March 22, 2021.  Am unauthorized visitor dared to petition The Cult Of Cats In Bags for access to Watchcat Lily's assigned sector.  This request did not sit well with Watchcat Lily--or her cult:

Needless to say, the visitor's request was denied.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXIII

In a pinch, Watchcat Sylvia allowed visitors to borrow the portable vacuum in her assigned sector:

This only applied to authorized visitors, however.  Such was the edict from Watchcat Headquarters in October 2010.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXII

Did Watchcat Nemo have preconceived notions about those who visited his assigned sector?  It was difficult to tell based on his expression in June 2009:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXXI

Subduing a rug in her assigned sector didn't keep Watchcat Rosie from spotting tomfoolery in May 2005:

 

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXX

Was the security infraction Watchcat Sammy witnessed too trivial to warrant admonishment?  Sammy pondered this in February 2006:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXIX

In June 2013, a panel of five watchcats determined if a visitor had authorized access to their assigned sector:

Watchcat Sylvia read the majority-rule verdict.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXVIII

Watchcat Nemo was justifiably skeptical in May 2013 while hearing a visitor's excuse for trespassing:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXVII

On January 30, 2025, Watchcat Lily surveyed her assigned sector from two different perspectives:

It was a quiet night, and there were no discernible disturbances.  Thus, her efforts were sufficient.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXVI

Visitors to Watchcat Sammy's assigned sector were expected to have proper credentials in February 2006:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXV

Watchcat Rosie wasn't above stopping her grooming, even when it meant sitting in a temporarily awkward position:

That's just how serious she was about monitoring suspicious activity in March 2003.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXIV

When I took this photo on January 29, 2025, Watchcat Collette hadn't had breakfast yet:

Upon seeing the displeasure in Collette's eyes, I rectified the situation promptly.  After all, a well-fed watchcat is a cooperative watchcat--in theory, at least.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXIII

With over five years of watchcat experience, Watchcat Lily is willing to dispense security advice to anyone willing to listen:

January 30, 2025: Watchcat Lily fielded questions about safety measures from anyone who was eager to learn.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXII

When you have a question for a watchcat, it's advisable for it to be concise, constructive, and not distracting:

Watchcat Nemo answered visitors' questions--within reason--on June 20, 2009.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXXI

Be it declared on January 29, 2025: Watchcat Collette's word is law...

...or a strongly worded suggestion, at least.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXX

"Hmmm...," Watchcat Sylvia mused in April 2009.  "In my assigned sector without proper security clearance?  Please wait, and I'll ask Watchcat Headquarters how to proceed:"

Watchcat protocol MMCLXIX

Watchcat Rosie made sure that only authorized guests used the guest towels in May 2005:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXVIII

Watchcat Sammy surveyed his assigned sector from the comfort of his lounge guard post in February 2006:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXVII

It was reassuring to know that Watchcat Lily had my back during guard duty on June 3, 2020:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXVI

"Wait," thought Watchcat Sylvia in September 2013.  "What was that movement?  Is there an intruder in my assigned sector?"

"Oh, I see," Sylvia realized.  "It was just a false alarm.  Well, that happens, I guess:"

Watchcat protocol MMCLXV

Watchcat Rosie's expression indicated, "You know you're safe with me, right?  You know that I keep everyone in my assigned sector safe?"

I knew not to question her assertion in July 2008.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXIV

In May 2006, Watchcat Sammy proved that it's possible to complete agility training while guarding one's assigned sector:

The trick is to look straight ahead when grasping the Cat Dancer toy.

Watchcat protocol MMCLXIII

Watchcat Collette was ready to emerge from her cardboard box guard post and admonish unauthorized visitors on January 15, 2025:

Watchcat protocol MMCLXII

Watchcat Nemo made sure his assigned sector was free of intruders before drinking from the faucet:

 He made the responsible choice in April 2016.