Bobby Flay Says His Heart Is ‘Broken’ After Death of Cat Nacho: ‘Give Your Pets an Extra Long Hug Today’

Bobby Flay has announced that his 9-year-old cat Nacho has died.

“It is with absolute heartbreak that I announce that Nacho has passed away peacefully,” the Food Network chef wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “I don’t usually publicize private family matters, but I truly believe he was everybody’s cat in a way,” Flay, 58, continued in his loving tribute. “Nacho had a magic about him that was truly special. He came into my life when I needed him the most and brought joyous moment after joyful moment to my household.”

Along with the post, he included a photo of an adorable Orange Maine Coon cat on his shoulder.

“As any cat parent will tell you, the communication between you and your kitty is real and Nacho’s inclusiveness in our home inspired me to create something that will feed cats everywhere. Right now, my only comforting thought is knowing that his character and legacy will live on forever through Made by Nacho,” the chef said of the premium cat food he created.

Captioning the post, Flay urged all pet owners to nurture their animals with a little more love today in light of his loss. “Give your pets an extra long hug today and please say a short prayer for Nacho. They mean so much to us all. Xo,” he wrote.

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Bobby Flay with Nacho in PEOPLE’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive Issue

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Reacting to the TV star’s loss, friends and fans took to the comments section to express their condolences and support.

“I’m sorry. 💔 losing pets is one of the hardest things. 😔,” Wonderful years wrote alum Danica McKellar, while fellow celebrity chef Ina Garten also shared some sweet sentiments. “Oh, Bobby, I’m so sorry!! What a good life you gave him!!! 💔💔💔,” she posted.

In addition to being loved by his owner with all his heart and having his own line of cat food, Nacho even has his own Instagram account with 273,000 followers.

In PEOPLE magazine’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive, Flay told PEOPLE that Nacho is “like a dog to a cat.” He further explained that he is “incredibly kind to me and will follow you around like a dog.”

Nacho sits with Bobby Flay’s other cat, Stella.

Nacho Flay/Instagram

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Flay noted that the massive Maine Coon was also a “food connoisseur,” saying, “He’s always with me when I’m cooking. If I make a piece of striped bass, I’ll cook the end of it as a little treat.

Nacho is survived by his father, Bobby Flay, his human sister, Sophie Flay, and his cat sister, Stella Flay, a white and tabby Maine Coon.

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