About two months ago, a small cat appeared on our deck.

We don’t live in town and have never seen a cat randomly appear in our yard before. Our frequent visitors are birds, bears, squirrels, an occasional deer and a lot of rabbits, but not cats.

I know, you’re probably thinking, but in some towns, the feral and outdoor cat population has exploded, leaving residents to figure out what to do with all the felines. While true, that hasn’t been the case around us.

So when our indoor cat lunged at the French doors leading to our deck, I expected to see a black bear or a squirrel skittering across. What I didn’t expect to see what a calico looking much like the calico we have residing in our home, but just a lot tinier.

Over the next few hours, this kitty traversed from one side of the deck to the other, hiding in the brush behind it before popping out to look around for food. My heart broke because it looked hungry so I broke down and put out a handful of cat food.

Over the next few days, this little scrawny cat found its way into the soft spots in our hearts and slowly it started coming around as soon as the food was down and we were back in the house. We asked the neighbors and no one knew where she came from, but it was apparent by her appearance that she was slowly losing her battle at surviving outdoors.

We called her Spookley because of how easily she spooked at any noise. Most days, we found her hanging out on the stump overlooking the deck, waiting until she saw me plop the food bowl down. Eventually she started coming when I came out and yelled for her but was still too scared to get close enough for me to pet her.

The back and forth went on for a week or so until one day, I reached out and touched her. That moment pretty much sealed her fate. My only obstacle then was my husband, who was hesitant to bring another cat into the home.

But on Nov. 22, the first real cold snap we had, we found Spookley outside shivering as she sat on the deck waiting for her food. She had a bath, a vet appointment and a room set up inside our house a few hours later.

As I sit here writing this, Spookley lays curled up above me on the couch, a little heavier, quite a bit furrier and a lot warmer than she was just two months ago.

She and Daisy have their moments when they seem to hate each other, but time and patience (and the right amount of food and treats) has at least brought them close enough to coexist and even play together.

This whole experience has taught my family more about the need to care for those animals who cannot care for themselves, to provide warmth and shelter and to open our hearts just a little more.

We never thought we would be a two cat family, but I guess life has a funny way of providing you with just what you need, when you need it.

It’s the universal cat distribution system at work, apparently, and it has enhanced our lives just a little bit more.

Shelters are overflowing, both with cats and dogs who are looking for love and a family of their own.

Spookley may have found us, but not every animal has the same luck.

Visit a shelter. Support the animals, and maybe, you’ll find a piece of your heart that you didn’t know was missing until you rescue an animal.