Introducing Azuki Bean, the Wellington cat that loves to break and enter

A rebellious teenage boy in a cat's body - that's how the owner of Azuki Bean describes him.

The black cat can often be found sneaking into flats for cuddles, waiting for students at Victoria University, shopping on Cuba Street, or even late night partying on Courtney Place.

His self-inviting personality has earned him some street cred, with a Facebook page called 'Where is Azuki?' gathering over 2800 avid followers.

Wellington has had its share of celebrity cats, like Mittens who was awarded the Key to the City, and Aro Valley's Lola who died earlier this year.

Visiting Azuki Bean at his home on The Terrace, he's furious about being kept inside, scratching at the door and meowing.

His teenager-type personality is only cemented when owner Bibi offers motherly apologies for her cat's defiant behaviour in front of house guests.

But it's Azuki's sassy attitude that Wellingtonians adore.

Photos on his social media page show Azuki at a hair salon, hotel lobbies, and even chilling at a midnight mass on Christmas Day.

Bibi has put her cat's following to good use by nominating Azuki for the SPCA Pets of the Year competition, raising close to $1000 so far.

The more Azuki raises for animal aide before 29 June, the more likely he'll get a full spread on the 2027 calendar.

The cat has a 4.5 rating on maps, situated at student accomodation Victoria House where he often hangs out.

Reviews posted online thank him for his existence.

Bibi remembered one instance where she walked past the student hall and saw Azuki sitting inside looking out the window down at her.

She got calls day and night from people finding her cat.

Bibi remembered an Italian restaurant once calling her to pick up Azuki.

"They said, 'Hey, your cat has just walked into our restaurant and is trying to like get on people's laps and food off the tables'."

While Bibi misses him in the day, she loves the joy he brought to the city.

She smiled, "At the end of the day, he's not really my cat. He's his own cat and I just love him."

He's Cuba Street's cat too, and businesses welcome him inside.

Skate shop Boardertown had the pleasure of a visit a few weeks ago.

"He moseyed on in, and just had a little peruse, browsing through the racks like a customer," store manager Christopher Garraway laughed.

He said the shop was dog friendly, but getting cats in the store was peculiar.

And on a Sunday, Azuki ventured as far as the QT Hotel near Te Papa Museum for a nap.

He managed to get through the double doors, to manager Anthony Riordan's dismay.

"There he was in all his glory, just making himself at home."

He said the staff and customers were very happy to see Azuki Bean.

"He's become a little bit of a local celebrity around here.

"Basically everything's his playground, and he allows you to be in it."

But last year, Azuki's wandering went too far, when he was gone for almost a week, and was found near Oriental Bay hurt.

A Givealittle page helped raised more than $1000 towards Azuki's vet care, which included having a broken tooth removed, and stitches in his face and jaw.

Owner Bibi said the donations were so generous.

"It's not gonna change the fact that he will get all that treatment, but it was the difference between how much treatment does he get, versus, am I just eating noodles for a little while."

Now, Azuki had a curfew of 9pm, motivated by dinner time, then was kept inside for the night.

His unique name was a tribute to the colour of his paw pads when he was a kitten, which Bibi said looked like azuki beans.

"It's faded now, but his paw pads are this kind of maroon-y brown color, and they're the same color as an azuki bean.

"Also, he is full of beans," she laughed.

As RNZ's visit comes to an end, Bibi opens the cat door to let Azuki Bean off for his daily galavant.

He runs out with no hesitation.