Missing Cat ‘Downey’ Last Seen In Hicksville During Blizzard; $100 Reward Offered

HICKSVILLE, NY — A Hicksville resident is asking the Long Island community for help finding his beloved cat, Downey, who has been missing for nearly two weeks.

Downey, a white cat with black spots, was last seen near Old Country Road and Burkland Road in Hicksville. His owner, Jordan Vallejos, said the cat disappeared days after the recent Long Island blizzard on February 24. Vallejos said Downey typically spends time outdoors but always returns home.

“He’s usually indoor-outdoor,” Vallejos told Patch. “I let him out, and he’ll come back in a day or two, but it’s already been like two weeks, so now I’m actually really concerned.”

Downey is about 1 year and 3 months old and was born in December. Vallejos said the cat does not wear a collar because he often loses them when outside.

The cat holds special meaning for Vallejos, who rescued Downey’s mother, a stray cat, and cared for her while she gave birth.

“His mom was a street cat and she got pregnant, so I decided to give her shelter while she had the babies,” Vallejos said. “I found homes for all the babies except him. I just got super attached and said, ‘No, I’m keeping him.’”

Vallejos said Downey is very friendly, raising concern that someone may have taken him in thinking he was a stray.

In the days since Downey disappeared, Vallejos said he has been searching the neighborhood and calling for the cat every day.

“I’ve been going out every day calling to him,” he said.

A listing for Downey has also been posted on LostMyKitty.com, a nationwide lost pet database.

A $100 reward is being offered for information that helps bring Downey home.

Anyone who believes they may have seen the cat is asked to call 516-423-4510.