A distraught family are appealing for the safe return of Monkey, the “King cat of Columbia Road” who has been missing since January.

The five-year-old moggy is a celebrity at the flower market and is often seen watching the crowds from his spot on top of a car.

But owner Emma Iantosca and her family have not seen him since January 22, and believe someone may have picked him up believing he was a stray.

“We’ve had a few calls from people and gone to see if it’s him but so far it hasn’t been,” she told the Gazette. “Obviously with the flower market he is popular. He often sits on top of our car outside the house and pops in to Laxeiro, the Spanish restaurant next door. They have their own cat Gilbert who is one of the most famous cats in London.

“Because he’s outside a lot we think someone may have picked him up.”

Monkey has been microchipped, though Emma believes whoever has found him and taken him in may not think to check with a vet.

If you have seen Monkey, please contact the Gazette on 020 8477 3969.