Beloved Hardware Store Cat Missing As Community Rallies For Search

A heartfelt search continues for Tapcon, the beloved two-year-old male cat of Paxton Hardware & Rental, who has been missing since October 7. The primarily black feline, known for his striking green eyes and a distinctive patch of white fur on his chest, vanished from the store located at 525 S. Market St., leaving both staff and customers anxious for his return.

Scott Allen, the store owner, expressed his concern on Wednesday, stating, “I hate it, that’s for sure. But I’m still hopeful. I think he’s going to come back.” The search began the morning after Tapcon went missing, when Allen found only his sister, Molly, who had returned alone. The two cats, named after construction fasteners, had been a staple at the store since they were kittens.

Allen noted that Molly is visibly distressed, often seeking comfort from him as she meows, clearly missing her brother. “She used to avoid me, but now she’s always around, asking, ‘Where is he?'” he said.

The pair, both from a September 2022 litter, had become local celebrities, often lounging in the store and delighting customers. “People come just to see the cats,” Allen remarked. Despite occasionally hiding in high places, Tapcon had never been missing for this long before.

Typically, the cats would venture outside to bask in the sun or explore the area. Allen implemented a feeding routine to prevent them from staying out overnight, but it’s unclear exactly when Tapcon slipped away. Store surveillance footage did not reveal the moment of his departure.

Efforts to locate Tapcon have included thorough searches of the nearby railroad cut and widespread social media outreach. Allen reported numerous customer-led searches and potential sightings, but none have yielded results. Tapcon was not microchipped but wore a gray collar with his name.

With the pleasant fall weather, Allen remains hopeful that Tapcon may simply be enjoying his time outdoors before returning. However, concerns about local predators persist. “I do worry,” he admitted, “because there are foxes in the area.”

In the meantime, Molly has stayed close to the store and Allen, only briefly venturing outside. “It’s like she’s waiting for him,” he observed, as the community continues to rally around the search for their furry friend.