A much-loved "community cat" who has spent years greeting staff and visitors at Tauranga Hospital is missing.

Steps, a 12-year-old tabby, affectionately known as the hospital's "patient support officer" was last seen in the hospital carpark on Monday night.

He had been curled up beside his bed by the hospital steps on Clarke St. His house near the carpark lift was also missing.

His disappearance was shared on a Facebook group set up to share posts about Steps with more than 4000 followers.

Owner Quinn Pratt said while Steps was "technically" his cat, he was much more of a community cat.

"He's more famous than I'll ever be," Pratt said.

Pratt had brought Steps and his brother home as kittens after a hunting trip to Murupara about 12 years ago. He and his wife Emily had lived right across from the hospital, until about a year ago.

He said right away Steps began hanging out on the hospital steps, which led to his name.

Since then he'd become a common sight at the hospital and when Pratt's family decided to move they arranged for a neighbour, Karla Horn to watch over him.

He said Steps was loved by hospital staff and visitors and could often be found hanging out in the emergency department or taking the lift up and down.

Over the years Pratt said he had disappeared a handful of times, he was microchipped, and Pratt would normally get a call from a local vets within a few days.

People had also tried to take him home, Pratt said, but now he had his own house and signage in the carpark this happened less.

Pratt said what made this time different was the fact his little white plastic house was missing too.

"He's probably too friendly... I'm hoping it's someone who has taken him with good intentions.

"Unfortunately, he's the most generic looking cat on the planet."

Both Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell and Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford both have appealed for Steps to be returned on social media.

Uffindell said Steps was a "friendly companion to all that come for treatment or to visit loved ones" at the hospital.

Rutherford said Steps was not a stray and was well-cared for by the community.

"He plays an important role around the hospital, bringing comfort to patients and staff.

"If you've seen him or know anything, please get in touch... let's help get him home safely."