I wonder how Kayla's life would be if she always were a bear, especially her "young look". Since Kayla is my character, I believe that if she had born as a bear, her mother would be a great friend of Koda's mom, and Koda and Kayla would end up as best friends during their childhood, they would be just like Simba and Nala. When Koda's mom dies, Kayla conforts Koda and stay by his side, with time they grew up together in the forest and as teenagers they start dating.
Orignal image (C) Disney
Kayla (C) Me