Prince sounds like one of the greats. I'm going on perhaps my 8th tomcat, and like humans (and dogs) there are fewer great ones. My incumbant, Charlie, is pretty darn good. It seems the best hunters are also the most loyal and affectionate, not sure if its nature or nurture.

My father was a Vet and as a teen I cleaned the kennels in his vet hospital. The dogs and cats there were like a cross-section of humanity, and I had to clean their cages and feed them. Despite friendly coaxing, some had an inordinate level of fear and would attack at the slightest movement (about 5%). Others were so withdrawn (perhaps traumatized) that they would cower and submit (about 15%). About 25% were a total delight, healthy/cooperative/affectionate (they had it all going on). My first Tom (Salty) was the best, the everything cat, the best hunter, most affectionate and loyal, completely in sync with us. I still dream about him 50 years after his death. They can be amazing animals.

I too a CA boy that spent 1 year at UW Madison (brrr)