Francesca Street

The University of Edinburgh’s famous Library Cat has been reported missing, but fans of the beloved feline can take comfort in the knowledge he will be immortalised in print.

Library Cat, a black and white feline who roams the university’s George Square, shot to fame after his ‘thoughts’ began appearing on social media in late 2013.

These entertaining and philosophical musings, transcribed by a then-anonymous Facebook user, were an instant hit. Fast forward to 2016 and Library Cat is an internet celebrity. He has over 17,000 Facebook followers and is the subject of the upcoming book Library Cat: The Observations of a Thinking Cat.

Unfortunately, Library Cat, owned by the University Chaplaincy, was reported missing in march.

Read more: Edinburgh University's library cat 'missing'

His disappearance on the eve of his first foray into print seems a characteristically enigmatic move for Library Cat.

The man behind Library Cat’s Facebook page was recently revealed as University of Edinburgh PhD student Alex Howard.

Howard, winner of the Red Cross International Writing Prize, has now expanded his posts into a humorous and heart-warming book publishing by Edinburgh-based Black & White Publishing.

Library Cat’s thoughts reference Kant and Sartre, comment on hot topics such as the Scottish Referendum and provide knowing commentary on Edinburgh University traditions.

English Literature student Katherine Dixon said: “Library Cat is a university institution and his disappearance has caused quite a stir on campus.

The Herald:

“We've been fans of Alex's Facebook page for some time,” says Press Officer Laura Nicol at Black & White Publishing, “The wit and wisdom of Library Cat's inner musings on life translate wonderfully into prose. We're looking forward to sharing the book with Library Cat's existing fans as well as introducing him to new readers both in Scotland and further afield.”

Library Cat’s disappearance may mark a sad end of the semester for the University of Edinburgh students.

Helena McNish, a fourth Year history student, said: “His dramatic disappearance is only a homage to the dramatic and mysterious way he lived his life.”