My arcane gish character ended up taking the "Signature mount" feat at level 9 and thus his pet tiger ended up qualifying for being his animal companion. However, due to some shenanigans he kinda ended up separated from his precious "Spot" (yes, he named the tiger "Spot") for close to two levels and so I'm only just now finding myself pressed to finally write up her character sheet. However, since I'm not very used to animal companions in general and big cats in particular, I'm a bit unsure on feats.
Since my character is now lv 11, and thus getting his next feat, I was considering the "evolved companion" feat, going for the reach option. But I'm not sure if he'd qualify since the requirement is animal companion class feature... Or if I should grab "boon companion" and bring Spot completely up to par with her master.
But anyhow, those are minor concerns compared to what feats to pick for the tigress. Our group likes to use a saying that goes as follows: "Well, you know what the guy who underestimated the tiger says, he says "Help, I'm being mauled by a tiger!" So I think combat reflexes would be a decent first option, seeing as anyone who provokes an AOO has clearly underestimated the tiger.
But that's just one feat, and I need three more at this level. And more options for the future over and above those wouldn't hurt. I'm getting her an INT increase as quickly as possible, so aside from combat reflexes, one feat needs to be on the animal companion list while two can be whatever she qualifies for.
I've kinda been looking at "Chokehold" and "Body shield", but the prereqs are kinda harsh, with both improved unarmed strike and improved grapple on there, so I'm not sure if that would be worth it. Any feedback on that from past cat-tamers?
Last but not least, I'd like to say that I'm not just looking to make the most efficient shredder the world has seen. High damage is of course nice, but it would also be neat if she could pull off something slightly less expected than "turn this guy into a scratching post, rinse and repeat forever." That said, it doesn't necessarily mean to go looking for the most out there options just for the sake of oddity. A sort of balance would be nice.
If you're using it as a mount the run feat is better than people give it credit for.
Skill Focus: Stealth and Hellcat Stealth. Thematic and makes for a great Stealth and Pounce build. :)
As GM_Solspiral suggested Run is pretty good, especially for a pouncer. I'll throw my hat in for Endurance as well, espeicially if you get it Light Armor Proficiency and Barding.
IMO, don't worry about Dragon Style. Just put ranks into Acrobatics to pump up it's ability to jump (aka pounce) over difficult terrain.
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I've got to agree with Stephen, Dragon Style works amazingly well for a tiger, but you've got to take the mostly useless feat of Improved Unarmed Strikes.
(as an aside, dang that feat is completely overpowered. Even classes that get "partial companions" (rangers with pets, paladins with mounts) only get their pet at their lvl - 3 and the class is "balanced" around that (some could argue it's not balanced but whatever). This just gives you a pet at most likely your lvl -2 without losing any other class features except for a single feat. )