Watchcat protocol MMDCXLIV

Watchcat Collette fielded security-related questions from her living room window guard post on July 19, 2026:

Watchcat protocol MMDCXLIII

While intruders wouldn't likely approach the desk in her assigned sector, Watchcat Lily was ready for them on July 15, 2026:

Watchcat protocol MMDCXLII

Watchcat Collette displayed a satisfied smile on July 17, 2026 after guarding her assigned indoor and outdoor sectors successfully:

Watchcat protocol MMDCXLI

Watchcat Lily asked visitors to back up while she surveyed her assigned sector on July 15, 2026:

Everyone complied, as they knew it's important not to compromise a watchcat's field of vision.

Watchcat protocol MMDCXL

Watchcat Collette was so at ease during this morning's agility training session.  She held onto her Cat Dancer toy without breaking a sweat and even smiled while she did so:

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXIX

Watchcat Lily appreciated having her efforts rewarded with a belly scratch on July 15, 2026:

Watchcats on break LXII

While attempting to move from room to room this afternoon, I walked much slower than I would have.  Watchcat Collette insisted on walking ahead of me and taking her time.

Some people would call this her form of control.  I say it's a watchcat securing the premises, ensuring they're safe for the person she's guarding.

That's the spin I'm choosing to believe, anyway.

Watchcats on break LXI

At least once when I've been barely awake, I've heard what I thought was a meow and called out to my cat in another room, "Collette, was that you?"  Then, I've mumbled to myself, "Of course, it was you.  Who else around here meows?"

Naturally, it was Watchcat Collette.  It's always Watchcat Collette.  Why wouldn't it be? 

Watchcats on break LX

Another recommendation of music to enjoy with your watchcat during a siesta: Astrud Gilberto.  Some of her vocals have that winding-down-for-the-day aspect I mentioned about Toots Thielemans, while others have life-affirming energy.

Watchcat Collette has responded equally contentedly to both aspects of Gilberto's singing during her breaks from guard duty, so I'm pleased that my musical selections are being well-received.

Watchcats on break LIX

Whenever I listen to harmonica selections by Toots Thielemans, I always enjoy the mellow, winding-down-for-the-day aspect of his music.

Watchcat Collette appreciates it, as well, as it inspires her to stretch out and purr near me.

After a long day of guard duty, a watchcat deserves a siesta and appropriately pleasant musical accompaniment.

Watchcats on break LVIII

Watchcat Collette has adopted the habit Watchcat Rosie had of walking in front of me when feeding her.  A few mornings ago, I said, "Rosie, I mean Collette, I can't get to the food when you block my path."

Collette considered this and allowed me just enough space to reach her food.  It's heartwarming to see common ground between past and present watchcats--even when it makes things slightly awkward.

Watchcats on break LVII

Watchcat Collette and I reached a stalemate this afternoon.  She dug one claw into her scratching post and another claw into her Cat Dancer toy.  She refused to let go, so eventually, I let the Cat Dancer drop and told her, "Congratulations.  You win."

With that kind of steadfast determination, I know I can trust Collette to guard her assigned sector masterfully.

Watchcats on break LVI

I'm tired today.  A little while ago, I mused to myself, "I've yawned almost as much as Watchcat Collette does in a day."  Then, I thought, "Come to think of it, why does Collette yawn more than I do most days? She spends a lot of time sleeping, and it's not like she has a job."

Then, I remembered...She does have a job.  Presumably, monitoring an assigned sector for hours must take a lot out of a watchcat.

Whenever possible, I've heard it's wise to give one's watchcat the benefit of the doubt.

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXVIII

When there was wisdom to be dispensed, Watchcat Collette and her watchrabbit were there to dispense it on July 7, 2026:

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXVII

Watchcat Lily didn't have a rope with which to cordon off the landing.  She explained to visitors that the upstairs portion of her assigned sector was off limits on July 4, 2026:

Fortunately, there were no scuffles over this restriction.

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXVI

It's not wise to trifle with a watchcat or her watchrabbit.  That much was clear, based on Watchcat Collette's expression last month:

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXV

Holidays are often fun, but sometimes, things can get rowdy.  Watchcat Lily was ready to bean miscreants in her assigned sector with a basketball last night:

Fortunately, no one got out of hand, so no beaning was necessary.

Watchcats on break LV

Upon returning home this morning, I saw Watchcat Collette looking down on me from the living room window.  Initially, I wondered if she was thinking, "Oh, good.  My guardian has returned."  Then, I realized, "Actually, she's probably thinking, 'Oh, good.  My subject has returned.'"

Such is life with an independent-minded watchcat.

Watchcats on break LIV

I felt sorry for Watchcat Lily a few years ago when the loud bang of a firecracker going off startled her and made her turn her head nervously.  To her credit, she recovered quickly and continued guarding her assigned sector.

Here's hoping all watchcats and other animals stay safe during this year's fireworks displays.

Watchcats on break LIII

This morning, I asked Watchcat Collette and her stuffed watchrabbit toy, "How's my security team today?"  Watchcat Collette attempted to grab my hand and bite it.  Her watchrabbit remained still.

That's what you want in a security duo--a watchrabbit who keeps an eye on the assigned sector and a watchcat who's ready to spring into action.

Granted, attempting to bite me was overzealous, but I'm sure Collette just wanted to show me how seriously she takes her job. 

Watchcats on break LII

Sometimes, when praising your watchcat, you might need to make an abrupt detour.  I did that this afternoon with Watchcat Collette.  I started petting Collette, saying, "Aw, nice Collette.  You're--NO, NO, NO!  STOP, STOP, STOP!"

Fortunately, I prevented Collette from eating a deviled egg.  My voice returned to normal volume as I told her, "I'm glad you're my cat, but I need you to not eat things you shouldn't eat."

"Never a dull moment," indeed.