Tauranga Hospital’s resident cat Steps has been found safe and well.
The 12-year-old tabby was last seen on the hospital grounds late Monday night, with his disappearance sparking a city-wide search and pleas for information on his whereabouts.
Steps was located overnight in a house in the suburb of Gate Pa, after breaking in through a cat door and sleeping on the homeowner’s bed.
The cat was collected by his carer Karla Horn this morning, who told 1News she had "tears of joy".
"He was a bit skittish when I picked him up but settled in the car," she said.
"I've given him breakfast and now he’s asleep on my bed."
He has been frequenting Tauranga Hospital for the past decade, earning his name from spending almost every day at the base of the hospital steps.
A Facebook fan page dedicated to Steps kept supporters updated on any possible sightings since Monday, as news of his disappearance spread quickly.
Owner Quinn Pratt told 1News Steps “loves people and has an uncanny ability to know when someone needs a bit of comfort".
"Whether it's patients, visitors, hospital staff or children, he seems to instinctively make himself available to anyone who needs a smile," Pratt said.
Steps was currently resting at home, but would be heading back to Tauranga Hospital later today.
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