Watchcat protocol MMCCLXII

In November 2016, Watchcat Nemo's eyes told visitors to be on their best behavior:

Watchcat protocol MMCCLXI

Nothing says a watchcat can't attend to her nails or clean herself on guard duty, provided she's still alert:

December 2008: Watchcat Sylvia does a bit of quick grooming.

Watchcat protocol MMCCLX

Mayhem never broke out under the table, thanks to Watchcat Rosie's stringent security initiative in September 2003:

Watchcat protocol MMCCLIX

On April 2, 2006, Watchcat Sammy used a not heavily traversed area as his guard post:

Fortunately, there were no security infractions to report.

Watchcat protocol MMCCLVIII

What watchcat wouldn't smile upon seeing that everything in her assigned sector is under control?

April 26, 2025: Watchcat Collette was pleased that her assigned sector was free of disruptions. Hearing birds chirping outside the window put her in an even better mood.

Watchcat protocol MMCCLVII

Just from her imposing stance, everyone knew that Watchcat Lily was in command of her assigned sector on May 18, 2022:

 

Watchcat protocol MMCCLVI

Watchcat Nemo didn't take his focus off of a security disturbance until the situation resolved itself:

That turned out to be the best approach in May 2009.

Watchcat protocol MMCCLV

Despite the relative lack of activity on July 6, 2008, Watchcat Sylvia kept a sharp focus on her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol MMCCLIV

In June 2007, Watchcat Rosie's expression indicated, "Looking scrupulously neutral during guard duty is something my brother (Watchcat Sammy) is into.  I, however, am more inclined to look judgmental:"

Watchcat protocol MMCCLIII

In April 2007, Watchcat Sammy listened patiently to a visitor's reason for requesting security clearance:

Watchcat protocol MMCCLII

Watchcat Collette's backup watchrabbit enjoyed being regaled with amusing tales from Collette's years as a security guard:

April 17, 2025: The watchrabbit listened raptly to Watchcat Collette's humorous stories.

Watchcat protocol MMCCLI

Watchcats reserve the right to be within easy reach of tennis shoes.  It makes them feel secure to have running shoes on hand when needed:

April 1, 2021: Nothing came between Watchcat Lily and her shoes.

Watchcat protocol MMCCL

Watchcat Collette gave her backup watchrabbit a touch-up in a hard-to-reach spot on April 17, 2025:

This is yet another considerate service watchcats offer, along with guarding an assigned sector, watering plants, and discovering tax deductions for their guardians.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLIX

Sometimes, a watchcat's guardian might have to serve as a backup security guard for the watchcat's assigned sector.  To ensure that you remain alert, the watchcat might wrap a paw around your arm:

April 2011: Watchcat Sylvia made sure that her watchhuman stayed awake during guard duty.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLVIII

Scofflaws rarely scurried across the wall in Stray Cat's assigned sector.  Nevertheless, in July 2003, Stray Cat was ready to confront them:

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLVII

Being comfortable during guard duty didn't make Watchcat Nemo any less vigilant in May 2013:

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLVI

Watchcats need their rest just as people do.  In March 2004, Watchcat Rosie agreed to take her nap break first: 

Watchcat Sammy continued monitoring the assigned sector. 

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLV

In April 2013, Watchcat Sylvia spotted a potential security threat on the horizon:

Her eyes widened, but fortunately, the danger passed quickly, and a crisis was averted.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLIV

It's permissible to pet a watchcat during guard duty, as long as you don't impede her vision or ability to move:

April 10, 2025: Watchcat Lily assumes the stance of a meerkat while being petted.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLIII

Watchcat Nemo kept close watch over a visitor in July 2012, based on a tip his sea lion conveyed:

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLII

I don't think anyone was clamoring to use Watchcat Collette's scratching post, but Collette was ready to confront them if they did:

February 26, 2024: Watchcat Collette was prepared to fend off anyone who wanted to sharpen their claws on her scratching post.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXLI

To my knowledge, no scofflaws ever traipsed down the basement hallway.  Nevertheless, Watchcat Sammy kept an eye out for them on August 1, 2003:

 

Watchcat protocol MMCCXL

Watchcat Rosie informed visitors of the line between acceptable and unacceptable conduct in her assigned sector:

April 15, 2006: Watchcat Rosie used her eyes and her outstretched paw to indicate which types of behavior were and weren't tolerated.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXIX

Sometimes, the way to resolve a security issue isn't immediately obvious.  Sometimes, a watchcat has to mull over the solution during guard duty:

January 30, 2025: Watchcat Lily thinks through the angles of a possible resolution.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXVIII

Watchcat Nemo didn't expect to see scofflaws on the kitchen counter.  Nevertheless, he followed protocol and checked the counter anyway in May 2010:

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXVII

"Yes," Watchcat Rosie conveyed to visitors, "I'm playful, but I'm also watching you--with poltergeist eyes:"

Such was her approach to guard duty in June 2005.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXVI

It was a beautiful day in April 2004, but it didn't deter Watchcat Sammy.  He had an assigned sector to guard, and he was determined to guard it:

He even tapped his tail vigorously, which didn't happen often.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXV

A comfy cat bed guard post doesn't necessarily make a watchcat go soft.  In April 2012, Watchcat Sylvia showed how seriously she took guard duty despite her cozy confines:

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXIV

As long as a watchcat can still monitor her assigned sector, it's fine for her to wash her paw during guard duty:

March 30, 2025: Watchcat Collette got her paw sparkling clean while keeping an eye on the kitchen.

Watchcat protocol MMCCXXXIII

When it's appropriate, Watchcat Lily is one tough, menacing tortie:

As this September 28, 2023 photo indicates, she exudes confidence.