Cat Pounce, 3 or 5 attacks possible?

[VerdantSF]

Pounce (Ex) When a creature with this special attack makes a charge, it can make a full attack (including rake attacks if the creature also has the rake ability).

Rake (Ex) A creature with this special attack gains extra natural attacks under certain conditions, typically when it grapples its foe.

So when my cat charges a foe, does it get 1 bite, 2 claw attacks, plus 2 free claw attacks from Rake? It sounds too good to be true! Am I missing something?

[Scipion del Ferro]

Nope, cat's are awesome. They can also pounce during a surprise round using a standard action charge!

[Kryptik]

Lions are pretty epic.

[Torinath]

Uhm, seems kinda hokey to me.

From the PRD:
Pounce:

Spoiler:

Pounce (Ex) When a creature with this special attack makes a charge, it can make a full attack (including rake attacks if the creature also has the rake ability).

Rake:

Spoiler:

Rake (Ex) A creature with this special attack gains extra natural attacks under certain conditions, typically when it grapples its foe. In addition to the options available to all grapplers, a monster with the rake ability gains two free claw attacks that it can use only against a grappled foe. The bonus and damage caused by these attacks is included in the creature's description. A monster with the rake ability must begin its turn already grappling to use its rake—it can't begin a grapple and rake in the same turn.

The bolded section in the rake description makes this less clear. *shrugs*

[Sara Marie]

VerdantSF wrote:

So when my cat charges a foe, does it get 1 bite, 2 claw attacks, plus 2 free claw attacks from Rake? It sounds too good to be true! Am I missing something?

I take it you have never owned or tried to medicate a cat?

[Mastermind]

Pounce provides an exception to the normal abilities of Rake. For a creature that only has rake they can only do it during a grapple.

[Kryptik]

Mastermind wrote:

Pounce provides an exception to the normal abilities of Rake. For a creature that only has rake they can only do it during a grapple.

^This. You auto-rake on a pounce. Otherwise, you must be grappling.

[VerdantSF]

Sara Marie wrote:

I take it you have never owned or tried to medicate a cat?

Lol! I've actually foster-cared for stray cats before... so yes, I definitely see your point =D. I'm just surprised cats are SO much better than many other companions. I mean, at the very least, birds should get a similar ability, like Dive, where they get to make a full attack with their beak and talons after a charge. It wouldn't be anywhere as powerful as Pounce, but it would help a bit.

[Kryptik]

VerdantSF wrote:

Sara Marie wrote:

I take it you have never owned or tried to medicate a cat?

Lol! I've actually foster-cared for stray cats before... so yes, I definitely see your point =D. I'm just surprised cats are SO much better than many other companions. I mean, at the very least, birds should get a similar ability, like Dive, where they get to make a full attack with their beak and talons after a charge. It wouldn't be anywhere as powerful as Pounce, but it would help a bit.

Meh, it depends on what kind of job you want the AC to do. Combat? Then yeah, the lion (er, "big cat") is probably your best bet.

Cheetahs ("small cat") are good for tripping and speed.

The axebeak (from the bonus bestiary) is good for tripping as well, and can double as a mount.

The dire bat has blindsense for locating pesky invisible casters, and can double as a flying mount(!).

And so on and so forth. Lion is probably my favorite (I love big cats in RL), but each AC has their strengths. Not all companions are (or even should be) equally fit for combat.

[VerdantSF]

Ah, excellent point. Though I love big cats in RL, too, I might just try an archer ranger with an eagle. I like the idea of fast, flying companion with the "Fetch" trick. That sort of utility has a lot of potential!

[KaeYoss]

Sara Marie wrote:

VerdantSF wrote:

So when my cat charges a foe, does it get 1 bite, 2 claw attacks, plus 2 free claw attacks from Rake? It sounds too good to be true! Am I missing something?

I take it you have never owned or tried to medicate a cat?

Or petted it too long. Cats often have such a affectionate way of telling you to stop (full attack scratch fury)

Cats can also cure you of nervous tapping of the feet and similar movements!

And, sometimes, you don't have to do anything. Sometimes, they're just bored, and it's your task to amuse them, whether with attention or as a target for pouncing practice!

[Gorbacz]

Sara Marie wrote:

I take it you have never owned or tried to medicate a cat?

THESE SCARS, THEY COME FROM LOVE.

[Shar Tahl]

Sara Marie wrote:

VerdantSF wrote:

So when my cat charges a foe, does it get 1 bite, 2 claw attacks, plus 2 free claw attacks from Rake? It sounds too good to be true! Am I missing something?

I take it you have never owned or tried to medicate a cat?

I tried to hold a small cat down for a shot. I swore I held her down good and she still shot out like a bullet! She did not want her medicine!