Claw marks on the cedar fence post, fresh, about shoulder height on a big cat. Found them at 0630 Tuesday, forty metres from where Mrs. Finley keeps her bird feeders. Pattern was consistent with territorial marking — regular intervals, appropriate height, working a circuit through three suburban blocks. Stride length suggested something considerably larger than standard domestic stock.

Seventeen separate sightings over three weeks, all consistent with big cat behaviour until you account for the owner leaving protein powder on the back deck. Mrs. Finley made positive identification at 12:17pm Tuesday from her kitchen window. Thirty-year resident, maintains daily bird feeding schedule, familiar with standard suburban fauna patterns. Subject turned out to be Mr. Whiskers, ginger tom, age seven, owner Derek Chen.

Found three protein powder containers on the back deck — two-kilogram tubs, premium whey isolate, emptied over approximately six weeks. Mr. Whiskers was performing what I’d describe as voluntary stretching exercises. Biscuit kept his distance. Chen noted the cat’s interest in his meal preparation. ‘Cats are obligate carnivores anyway,’ Chen explained. ‘The macros aligned perfectly.’

Dr. Amelia Cross, Senior Feline Morphology Specialist with WTC’s Domestic Anomalies Division, confirmed that Mr. Whiskers displays muscle mass ‘unprecedented in domestic feline populations’ and estimated his current weight at approximately 18 kilograms, roughly three times the average for his breed. Dr. Cross noted the hindquarter definition as remarkable. She’s requested a metabolic panel.

Same stride pattern across seventeen locations, deep pad impressions in Mrs. Henderson’s rose bed, territorial spray marks at regulation height intervals. Deep paw impressions in garden beds, territorial marking patterns, and scheduled patrol routes through the suburb.

Department of Conservation and Aquaculture Senior Response Coordinator Arthur Pritchard confirmed Mr. Whiskers exhibited apex predator behavioral markers. Pritchard noted that Mr. Whiskers’ domestic status presents certain regulatory challenges that the department is reviewing.

Eighteen kilograms of domestic cat. That’s mildly concerning. Chen’s been leaving the protein powder out for six months.

— Arthur Pritchard, DCA spokesperson

Field note: protein supplementation in domestic cats presents tracking challenges not covered in standard field guides. Recommend updating threat assessment protocols for suburban environments.