Yes — this is where you adopt a cat in Pune.

You've found a network of volunteers and rescuers who help Pune's indie cats find loving homes. If you want a cat — you're exactly where you should be. Five easy steps, explained below.

Here because you have a cat you can't keep?

Then some honest words, said gently: there is no shelter here — none in Pune as such, not even a government one. Nobody in this city can "take in" your cat, including us. What we mostly do is help stray cats get adopted, and advise and guide the volunteer rescuers who DM us.

That doesn't mean you're out of options — it means the options look different than you hoped. DM us on Instagram and we'll talk through them honestly.

First — what does "adopting" a cat mean?

Exactly what you're hoping: a cat comes home with you and becomes part of your family, permanently. You don't pay anything. Nobody does — not you, not the rescuer. We never charge a rupee.

Adoption is not buying — there is no price, no "rate," no charge of any kind. And it's not temporary. A cat can live 15 years or more, and adopting means you're their person for all of it.

Where are the cats? (This surprises people)

Our cats don't live in one building. There is no shelter to walk into. Every cat lives with the person who rescued it — real people, in real homes, across Pune and PCMC: Baner, Kothrud, Viman Nagar, Kharadi, Pimple Saudagar and beyond.

We are the notice-board that brings you and them together. That's why we call ourselves a virtual adoption centre — everything happens through Instagram and this website, and the cat you meet is already living comfortably in a home.

The five steps

1 · Browse. All our cats post on Instagram — photos, age, neighbourhood, and the rescuer's note. Pick the one who picks you.

2 · Contact the rescuer. Their contact is right there in the post. You talk directly to the person who knows this cat best — we don't stand in between.

3 · A few questions. The rescuer will ask about your home and family. This isn't a test to fail — it's how we make sure the match is right for you AND the cat. They may note your Aadhaar for adoption records.

4 · Meet & adopt. Meet the cat, collect the vaccination and deworming records, and go home together. Some rescuers can even bring the cat to you.

5 · Stay in touch. Rescuers love a photo in the first weeks — they've usually bottle-fed this cat at 3 a.m. And if you ever need help, your rescuer stays a message away.

A few things every rescuer will care about

Netting on windows and balconies. Simple mesh netting (different from grilling) — Pune flats are high and cats are curious. Most rescuers will ask about this first.

Everyone at home is on board. A cat joining the family should be the whole family's happy decision.

If it doesn't work out, the cat comes back to the rescuer. Always. A returned cat is okay; an abandoned cat is not. No judgment, no drama — just bring them back.

What is an "indie" cat?

India's own native cats — the smart, sturdy, affectionate cats born in our cities. They're healthier in our climate than expensive breeds, and every bit as loving. We only do indies here — that's the whole point of us.

Ready?

The cats are waiting on Instagram. If nobody catches your eye today, follow the page — new cats appear as rescuers bring them.

Questions? DM us.

We're @catadoption_pune on Instagram — we're volunteers with day jobs, so replies come in batches, but they always come.