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.

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, and neither does the rescuer. Adoption is free — a cat is not a commodity. What we ask for instead is a commitment: that a kitten is fed what it actually needs, that the vaccinations happen, and that the cat is neutered or spayed when it is old enough.

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.

What is an "indie" cat?

India's own native cats. Most of the ones posted here were abandoned, orphaned or born by accident, and they make just as good pets as any breed. We only post indies.

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 three steps

1 · Browse. Start with the cats looking for homes right now — photos, age, neighbourhood, and the rescuer's note. Everything also posts on Instagram.

2 · Connect. The rescuer's contact is right there in the post. You talk directly to the person who knows this cat best — we don't stand in between. They'll ask about your home and family. That's how they find the right match. They may note your Aadhaar, or other ID, for adoption records.

3 · Adopt. Meet the cat, collect the vaccination and deworming records, and go home together — some rescuers can even bring the cat to you. Then stay in touch: rescuers love a photo in the first weeks, and they've usually bottle-fed this cat at 3 a.m. 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. Where it goes and what it costs.

What to have ready before the cat arrives. Less than you think: a hard carrier, a litter box, a small pack of litter, two steel katoris and the food it already eats. The whole list, with the free version of each, is on the day-one page.

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.

Ready?

The cats currently looking for homes are listed here, with photos, ages, neighbourhoods and the rescuer's contact. If nobody catches your eye today, follow us on Instagram — new cats appear as rescuers bring them.

Picked one? The adopter form is the five-minute way to introduce yourself to the rescuer.

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. Take the cat with you if you can: it's easy to travel with pets these days, and cats can go by train (the railway's rules). Ask family and friends. Start early, because older cats rarely get calls.

Questions? DM us.

We're @catadoption_pune on Instagram — we're volunteers with day jobs, so replies come in batches, when we can. If you haven't heard back, message again.