Small cougar/mt lion in Farmington

Sitting on back patio at 8:30pm on July 2, 3 or 4 foot long cat came out of the woods behind our house. Clearly MUCH bigger than any house cat. Went back into woods and came out 2 more times. 3rd time, my husband and I got a closer look (from within safety of our fenced in pool area). The cat held still for awhile as we both looked at each other. Had stripes/banding on its front legs and its tail appeared to be shortened/chopped.