Bobby Flay reported the death of his 9-year-old cat, Nacho.

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

“I usually don’t post private family business on the internet, but I truly believe he was everyone’s cat in some way,” Flay, 58, concluded in his heartfelt tribute. “Nacho had a truly unique aura about him. “He came into my life when I needed him the most and provided joy to my family, moment after wonderful moment.”

Along with the statement, he included a photo of himself with the gorgeous orange Maine Coon cat on his shoulder.

“As any cat parent will tell you, communication with your cat is real, and Nacho’s inclusion in our home inspired me to create something that would nourish cats everywhere.” At the time, my only solace came from knowing that his likeness and memory would live on forever through Made by Nacho, the premium cat chow he designed.

Flay concluded his statement by urging all pet owners to show their animals extra love today in honor of his loss. “Please give your pets extra long hugs today and say a short prayer for Nacho. “They are really important to all of us. “Xo,” he signed off.

In response to the TV star’s death, friends and admirers expressed their condolences and support in the comments area.

“I apologize. “One of the hardest things is losing pets,” The Wonder Years alum Danica McKellar remarked, while fellow celebrity chef Ina Garten also expressed her feelings. “I’m so sorry, Bobby! “What a wonderful life you gave him!” she wrote.

In addition to having a devoted owner and his own line of cat food, Nacho has a personal Instagram account with 273,000 followers.

Flay told PEOPLE in 2017’s Sexiest Man Alive edition that Nacho is “doglike for a cat.” He went on to say, “He’s incredibly affectionate with me and will follow you around like a dog would.”

Flay also mentioned that the huge Maine Coon was a “food connoisseur,” noting, “He’s always with me when I’m cooking.” If I roast a striped bass, I’ll fry the tail for him as a special treat.

Nacho’s father, Bobby Flay, his human sister, Sophie Flay, and his cat sister, Stella Flay, a white and brindle Maine Coon, survive him.