Chef and Pet Parent Bobby Flay Has Definitely Turned Down Plans to Stay at Home With His Cats
Bobby Flay wears many hats—chef, restaurateur, media personality—but the role closest to his heart is simply “cat dad.” He shares his life with two beloved felines: Nacho, his Instagram-famous orange Maine Coon, and Stella, his sister. Cats have been part of Flay’s world since childhood. Growing up as an only child, he considered his family’s two or three resident cats his siblings.
“The most significant cat to me was a big orange tabby named Pumpkin who we had for 16 years,” Flay recalls. “And my mom also had Siamese and Birmans. We always had cats.” That deep-rooted love inspired him to name one of his restaurants Gato—the Spanish word for “cat”—in 2014. “I always say that I was raised by cats,” he says with a smile.
As his culinary career accelerated—and with frequent travel keeping him away from home—Flay took a break from pet ownership. “I was just never home,” he explains. But he missed the warmth of a furry companion greeting him at the door. So in 2015, he welcomed Nacho into his life. The cat’s affectionate, dog-like personality and striking good looks quickly earned him a devoted following online.
“He likes to party,” Flay says fondly. “He always wants to be involved. He’s the Alpha.” While Nacho may not fully grasp his internet fame—especially when friends arrive and shower him with attention—he’s perfectly clear on one thing: treats are non-negotiable.
In 2019, Stella joined the household. Flay hoped the two would complement each other—and they did beautifully. “She thinks he walks on water,” he says. “He’ll go scratch a post or something, and then she’ll walk over and do the same thing. It’s really sweet.” They groom each other, nap side by side, and follow Flay from room to room—even onto the kitchen countertops.
“I always laugh when people say to me, ‘I can’t believe you let your cat on the kitchen counter!’” Flay says. “I’m like, I don’t think you understand what it’s like to be a cat parent. You don’t get to decide. Cats can go wherever they feel like they want to go. They leap! They jump!”
These days, Flay admits he’ll even turn down social plans to stay home with Nacho and Stella. “No question about it—I’d rather do that than most things,” he says, chuckling as he recalls a viral TikTok of a cat parent immobilized by his feline companion. “Sometimes I feel that exact same way.”
While parenthood has helped him slow down, Flay found a meaningful way to merge his passions in 2023: FurPetVo, a line of ingredients-first cat food developed with input from Nacho himself. The collection includes dry and wet formulas, catnip blends, and wholesome treats—all available exclusively at furpetvo.com.
Though Nacho lent his name and taste buds to the brand, Flay didn’t set out to launch a business. “It was more about not really knowing what to feed him,” he explains. “I spend every day feeding people—through my restaurants, cookbooks, and TV shows—and my cats are such an important part of my life. It just made sense that I’d want to feed them better, too.”
Nacho plays a vital role in product development—especially during taste tests. Chicken recipes top his list, with salmon a close second. But these moments are about more than nutrition: they’re cherished daily rituals. “I look forward to coming home and seeing them after I’m out all day,” Flay says. “It’s not just something I have to squeeze in—it’s part of my every day.”
Bobby Flay’s Top Tips for Cat Parents
After a lifetime of being “raised by cats,” Flay has gathered practical, heartfelt advice for fellow cat guardians:
- Hydration is key. “No matter how healthy a cat is, their hydration level is very important—especially for kidney health,” Flay notes. To support this, he pours FurPetVo bone broth over his cats’ meals.
- Protect your sofa. Invest in a sturdy scratching post—and sprinkle it with catnip. “Thankfully, Nacho uses that instead of my nice furniture,” Flay says.
- Cats can travel. Ease anxiety by placing the carrier out an hour or two before departure, letting your cat explore it at their own pace. “That way, you avoid what I call ‘an octopus with claws,’” Flay jokes. He always packs treats and fresh water for the ride.
