Manka cats were a non-sentient feline species native to the planets Tython

Tython Planet

and Alderaan

Alderaan Planet

. Fur-covered quadrupeds, manka cats were considered dangerous by most sentients who encountered them, and were often hunted for safety reasons as well as for food gathering. While hunted primarily for their meat, manka tusks and teeth were also prized for their medicinal use to cure illnesses. Carnivores with gnashing teeth and strong forelegs with sharp claws, the manka hunted in packs and alone, capable of bringing down nerfs and other large animals.
Capable of domestication, manka cats were kept by the Flesh Raiders

Flesh Raider Sentient Species

of Tython in their camps, gnawing on bones of past prey and aiding in the defense of their camps from local Jedi

Jedi Order Organization Galaxy-Wide Organizations

exploring the region during the Cold War

The Cold War Event Cold War (3653BBY - 3642BBY)

.
Manka cats saw some exportation during the history of the Galactic Republic to other worlds, including Kashyyyk

Kashyyyk Planet

and Tatooine

Tatooine Planet

. Therefore, when the hyperlanes to Tython collapsed and Alderaan was destroyed

Destruction of Alderaan Event Galactic Civil War

in 0 BBY, manka cats were still widespread in the galaxy, and knowledge and familiarity with them was quite commonplace.
On Tatooine, Manka Cats were known as Sunrunners, Shadowstalkers or Duneclaws.