A SPECIAL cat is charming the cafe-goers and jetty-walkers of Brighton, and according to some, has become a bit of a “legend” around the suburb.

King the champagne-coloured tabby can regularly be seen lounging on benches overlooking Brighton beach and brushing among the legs of alfresco diners on Jetty Rd.

He belongs to Bindarra Rd resident, Milly, 8, who says King can sometimes go missing for a day or two and then come back when he is really hungry.

She and her family can always find him around the beach.

“I find it a bit strange because most cats are scared of water but there’s a lot of it here,” Milly says.

“Normally, if we’re here with him, a lot of people come and ask if we can pat your cat – it’s just so funny.”

media_camera King on patrol at Brighton beach. Picture: Sam Wundke

King has a tag on his collar letting people know that he goes to the beach during the day but comes home at night.

But Milly’s father, Mike, says people still often call his number on the other side to report finding the family’s cat.

“At first I was a bit annoyed, but I thought, ‘It is nice that people do that’,” he says.

King spent 45 minutes playing with Ascot Park resident Sue Lasscock during a recent visit to Brighton beach.

“He’s a lovely cat – he’s very friendly,” Ms Lasscock says.

“If he doesn’t feel like people patting him, he’ll move on.”

media_camera King takes in the views at Brighton beach. Source: Facebook

While King is not allowed inside, Brighton Jetty Bakery co-owner Dahlia Makkar says he is a “legend” around Brighton.

“He’s a bit of a character – everyone is cat-friendly here,” Miss Makkar says.

“To see a cat is a bit of a quirk.”

King has his own Facebook page at facebook.com/kingthebeachcat.