Ratha's Creature by Clare Bell (The Named Book 1) is Open Roads daily deal for fantasy today $1.99 in the US.
I have vague positive memories of reading this long ago and since there are several sequels it must have been ok.
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/eb...a-s-creature-4
https://www.amazon.com/Rathas-Creatu.../dp/B00J52FOG4
A mysterious race of prehistoric cats harnesses the power of fire to protect their tribe in an evocative coming-of-age story that blends magic, fantasy, and nature.
The Clan of the Cave Bear meets the Warriors series in book #1 of Clare Bell's saga of the Named.