This is a navemba, a creature that is native to the H'gorah homeworld of K'ama'Gak. These kitties, 125% the size of a liger (in other words, pretty freaking big), are gentle and intelligent, keeping the balance. Unless you tresspass on what they see as their territory, they're not a threat.

The H'gorah are in a symbiotic relationship with them, knowing that they only get mean when they get hungry so they leave meat at the edges of their villages for them. The navemba are great security animals, living in perfect harmony when chosen. They aren't cruelly trapped or taken but invited. They can be protective of all of who they perceive as their family and adapt to the personality of their caretakers.
Chena has one she named Kyryra. They are truly able to communicate although they don't have any language.