A depressed shelter cat dubbed “Spicy” has been given a second chance after being surrendered by her lifelong owner.

North Carolina resident Kaylee and her husband recently adopted eight-year-old Spicy Pepper, after she spent weeks in a shelter struggling with depression.

Spicy Pepper, originally named “Spicy” at the shelter, had withdrawn from the world after being surrendered by her owner. Since being left at the shelter, Spicy had spent most of her time curled up in a corner with her eyes shut.

After losing their beloved 16-year-old cat last summer, Kaylee and her husband had been looking to adopt another senior cat. When they came across Spicy Pepper’s story online they knew they could offer her the care and patience she needed.

“We saw her post and knew we could be a good fit for her, so we went and met her and adopted her that day,” Kaylee, who didn’t give a surname, told Newsweek.

The shelter confirmed that Spicy Pepper was deeply depressed, making it all the more important for her to find a stable, loving home. Now in her new environment, she has her own space to adjust at her own pace.

“Our plans are to just give her time. We have other pets, so she has the guest room all to herself,” Kaylee said. “She has lots of cozy spots. I go in and talk with her gently every day and give her lots of treats.”

While Spicy Pepper is still too nervous to interact directly, there are promising signs of progress.

“It’s been a week, and she’s still too nervous to come out for us, but comes out of hiding when alone. We have a camera in there, and she has been exploring, playing and kneading blankets,” Kaylee said.

After adopting Spicy, Kaylee shared the story on Reddit‘s r/cats, where people were delighted by the story.

“I just wanna stop by and say thank you for adopting this sweet pour soul,” said one commenter. “I can see the sadness in her eyes. I hope she will get better as time goes by.”

Another commenter wrote: “Aww, poor baby. Shelters can be super overstimulating, paired with being taken from her home and family, she probably just needs time to settle in, and feel safe and comfortable in her new home.”

Kaylee was delighted by the response online. “I didn’t expect all the lovely comments! I got some great advice here,” she said.

She and her husband remain focused on giving Spicy Pepper the time, patience and love she needs to feel safe again.