'He loved Wellington': Capital's celebrity cat Azuki Bean dies suddenly

A beloved Wellington cat which has a large social media following has died after being hit by a vehicle.

Azuki Bean was a 5-year-old black cat often found on adventures around the city, shared on his popular Facebook page 'Where is Azuki?'

The page, with more than 3600 followers, has now been renamed to 'In Loving Memory: Where is Azuki?'

There are dozens of comments from people sharing their condolences, and memories of Azuki.

His loving owner Bibi has previously described him as rebellious teenage boy in a cat's body, often confidently visiting homes and shops.

Sharing the news to the Facebook page, Bibi said Azuki was taken to his vets quickly after being hit yesterday, where they did everything possible to save him.

"He did not suffer, he was surrounded by a team that has loved and cared for him for 5 years," she wrote.

"He loved Wellington and you all adored him back in spades. Although I think it's safe to say that no one loved him more than me (and his dad).

"We welcome your messages of support and memories.

"We ask that you understand that grief has already had us bargain with our decisions in regards to his adventurous nature and to refrain from critiques; there is nothing to be gained from making this hurt more than it already does. "

The cat is nominated for SPCA Pets of the Year competition, already raising over a grand for animal care. If Azuki remains on the leaderboard until 29 June, he will be in the 2027 Pet of the Year calendar.

Bibi wrote that she hopes people take away from this that you should not take time with your pets for granted.

"Whether they spend their days adventuring through the neighbourhood or curled up asleep on the bed, they leave pawprints on our hearts far larger than their time with us ever feels."

She said she intended to do something in Azuki's memory, but wasn't sure what yet.

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.