They say a cat has nine lives, and feline Barbara has had at least two.

The first, with Eric Wareham and his pet-loving family in a village near Beccles. And the second, a life of living 'rough' in the wild after she went missing two years ago.

But now a new phase in Barbara's life has started after she was found lounging on a bird table less than a mile from Mr Wareham's home.

He said he was delighted the cat had finally returned home - although Bruno, Barbara's kitten who disappeared at the same time, is still missing.

Mr Wareham said: "We did everything we could within our power to find her and Bruno following their disappearance.

"Social media posts, posters, leaflets to neighbours.

"We even went walking with food and calling her name for many evenings.

"We really thought that she may have been killed."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Barbara pictured as a kittenBarbara pictured as a kitten (Image: Ellie Wareham)

But last week, Mr Wareham, took an unexpected call from the vets.

"When I saw the vets were calling, my first thought was that the dogs must have escaped," he said.

"But no. The vets told me that Barbara had been found and brought in.

"She had been sleeping on somebody's bird table. The family took her to a vet to see if she was chipped.

"It was absolutely unbelievable. I was in disbelief until I saw her."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Barbara pictured before she went missingBarbara pictured before she went missing (Image: Ellie Wareham)

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Barbara is now lapping up the family's attention having settled back into her old home. Her return has filled them with the hope that Bruno too will return.

"She has come back home and settled in as though she was never gone," Mr Wareham said.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Barbara's son, Bruno (pictured), is still missing after he went awol with his mother in August 2020Barbara's son, Bruno (pictured), is still missing after he went awol with his mother in August 2020 (Image: Ellie Wareham)

"Barbara is responding to her name and really enjoying the attention, being very purry and friendly.

"Her return has filled us with the hope that Bruno is safe, well, and fending for himself as an independent adult male cat.

"But we do hope he decides to come home."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Barbara joins Barney left and Daphne right in the familyBarbara joins Barney left and Daphne right in the family (Image: Ellie Wareham)