I remember the cat I grew up with, she was amazing, hated being in your lap, but liked being nearby, she would join us on walks, but when her territory ended she would stop and meow loudly at us, seriously, we could hear her a block away... She was caring, if you were crying, she would lie down next to you and purr like crazy, we had a pool when I grew up, and when we dipped our heads under the water she grew very concerned, she would pace the edge and meow.
She was also an avid hunter, catching plenty of fieldfares, mice and even the tail of a squirrel...
She lived a long life, and as we remodeled our house at the time, there was always something new to explore.