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

"He came into my life when I needed him most," the Food Network star wrote in a tribute to his late pet

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

"It is with an absolute broken heart that I report Nacho has passed away peacefully," the Food Network chef wrote Tuesday on Instagram.

"I usually don’t post private family business but I truly believe he was everyone’s cat in some 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 most and brought joyful moment after joyful moment to my household."

Alongside the post, he featured a photo of the 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 would nourish cats everywhere. At the moment my only soothing thought is knowing his likeness and legacy will live on forever through Made by Nacho," the chef said of the premium cat food he created.

Signing off the post, Flay called on all pet owners to cherish their animals with some extra 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 all of us. Xo," he wrote.

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

"So sorry. 💔 losing pets is one of the hardest things. 😔," The Wonder Years alum Danica McKellar wrote, 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 wholeheartedly by his owner and having his own line of cat food, Nacho even has his own Instagram account with 273,000 followers.

In PEOPLE’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive issue, Flay told PEOPLE that Nacho’s “doglike for a cat.” He further explained that “he’s incredibly affectionate with me and will follow you around like a dog would.”

Related: Pennsylvania Community Shuts Off Power to Save Cat Stuck on Telephone Pole

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 for him 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 brindle Maine Coon.

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