Pounce is powerful, but the creatures that have it tend to be less powerful in other ways than other creatures that are considered a similar threat.
Black bear: 2 claws (d4+4), bite (d6+2)
Cheetah: 2 claws (d2+1), bite (d6+3)
Polar bear: 2 claws (d8+8), bite (2d8+4) Attacks at +13/+8
Tiger: 2 claws (d8+6), bite (2d6+3) Attacks at +9/+4
Still, I'll probably try to sell the "if denied Dex bonus can pounce", since that seems more consistent with intent of the ability.
Black bear: 2 claws (d4+4), bite (d6+2)
Cheetah: 2 claws (d2+1), bite (d6+3)
Polar bear: 2 claws (d8+8), bite (2d8+4) Attacks at +13/+8
Tiger: 2 claws (d8+6), bite (2d6+3) Attacks at +9/+4
Still, I'll probably try to sell the "if denied Dex bonus can pounce", since that seems more consistent with intent of the ability.