When a pet passes away, the silence they leave behind is heavy. For Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas, this silence is now a reality after losing his beloved cat, Gustav, to cancer. Joe shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, posting a tribute to the cat he affectionately called “GusGus” or “Mr. Gustapher.”

 “It’s with great sadness tomorrow we’re saying goodbye to our beloved Gustav Whisker Schnitzel Mit Pommes. Cancer got him,” he wrote on his video post on Instagram.

The video he shared showed Thomas capturing the final moments with his pet.

“Just got him in spring for my daughter Camryn. Never thought I’d be so attached to a cat! This guy is really sweet. RIP “GusGus” or my favorite was “Mr Gustapher,” he captioned the post.

Watching a small, brave animal go through a battle with cancer feels incredibly unfair. Joe’s videos showed a pet that remained sweet and affectionate until the very end. The bond between the family and GusGus was clear in his final hours. In one moving video, the cat was seen resting next to Joe’s wife, gently placing a paw on her nose. 

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Even though he was tired and in pain, GusGus still leaned into belly rubs, using his final moments to connect with the people who loved him most. His eyes were weary, but his spirit remained focused on his owners. The posts caught the attention of fans as they brought in prayers and condolences for Joe and his family.

“Sorry, brother,” prayers pour in as Joe Thomas shares his  final moments with his pet cat

Looking at Joe Thomas’s posts, his pet cat looks Persian, though we aren’t sure of its breed. Gus was a strikingly pretty cat with brown fur, white patches, and black stripes. He had a natural charm that made everyone fall in love with him almost instantly.

The loss was deeply personal for Thomas, who clearly embraced his role as a “cat dad.” In a touching but sad moment shared with his followers, Thomas held Gus during his final minutes. Even as he was fading, the sweet cat kept purring softly. 

Because Gus was suffering, a difficult decision was made to put him to sleep. Soon, the community responded with a massive wave of support and love. 

“Sorry, brother,” one fan wrote.

Other fans said more about the impact that the cat had on the family and how deep the loss felt.

“I’m so sorry. I know he is a big fun part of your family. I love how he watches Reese! Funny boy,” another one wrote.

Some fans noticed just how attached the pet was, based on the posts themselves.

“Poor buddy 😢 looks like he was very attached to you, Dad. Cats love their dads big. 😔 sending the Thomas fam hugs!” a third comment read.

Another comment focused on the kindness of ending a pet’s pain.

“😢So very sorry. That is the hardest thing and yet the best last gift we can give them is to end their suffering. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. 🌈🐾” the comment read.

One follower shared their sympathy and focused on the love and affection that were visibly present.

“I am so, so sorry to hear this 💔 Sweet Gus … much love to you and the rest of the family during this tough time,” another fan commented.

Another user, who had recently gone through the same heartbreak, empathized with the family

“I am so, so sorry to hear this 💔 Sweet Gus … much love to you and the rest of the family during this tough time,” the user commented.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but the memory of “Sweet Gus” clearly lives on. We hope that GusGus has a peaceful journey over the rainbow bridge and enjoys a wonderful life in heaven.