A FAMILY is wondering just how many of its nine lives their cat used up after being missing for seven months.

Long-haired tabby Robin, who is aged 17, disappeared from his home in Hereford Drive, Prestwich just after New Year.

He was returned safe and well to his owner Helen Catley last Saturday (Aug 7), after seven months of living rough.

Around two weeks ago the old timer started visiting the home of Alison Phipps, in Hope Road, and as she fed him she managed to gain his trust, so she could read the identity tag around his neck.

After establishing who his owner was, Alison contacted Helen with the shock news that Robin was staying in her garden.

Helen said: "When Robin first went missing we left it a few days, then put out some leaflets asking if people had seen him. He is an old cat and he used to sit in the middle of the road. I thought he had probably been hit by a car and gone to die quietly somewhere."

Helen, who lives with her partner John Darbyshire and four-year-old daughter Alice, was shocked to hear that Robin was still alive.

She added: "I went round to Alison's house and although I knew it must be Robin because of his identity tag, it was still a surprise to see him. My daughter's eyes lit up when I told her Robin was coming home."

Robin is settling back into family life and apart from having matted fur, he seems perfectly well.

"I am very grateful to Alison for looking after Robin," added Helen, "And we would both like to piece together the rest of the jigsaw of where Robin has been."

Call 0161 773 2741.