How Much To Clone A Cat

Cloning a beloved pet is a decision that many pet owners consider out of pure love for their furry companions. The cost of cloning a cat can be a significant investment, but for some, the opportunity to have a genetic twin of their cherished pet is priceless.

The Story of Kelly Anderson and Her Cloned Cat

Kelly Anderson’s beloved cat, Chai, passed away at the young age of five. Devastated by the loss, Anderson made the decision to clone her feline companion, spending $25,000 on the cloning process. Despite facing criticism and backlash, Anderson stands by her choice, expressing that she “couldn’t be happier with her decision.”

Anderson’s journey to clone her cat began with extensive research and collaboration with ViaGen, a company specializing in pet cloning. The process involved obtaining a skin biopsy from Chai and working with her vet to facilitate the cloning procedure. Four years later, Anderson welcomed a new kitten named Belle, a genetic replica of her beloved Chai.

The Cost of Cloning a Cat

Cloning a cat through ViaGen Pets & Equine comes with a price tag of $50,000 USD. The initial genetic preservation, which is the first stage in the cat cloning process, costs £500 (+VAT for UK invoicing addresses). Additionally, the cost of cell culture for cat cloning amounts to £1400 + VAT. Once the samples are preserved for future cloning, they can be stored at a cost of £12 per month.

Upon deciding to proceed with the cloning, the preserved samples are shipped to ViaGen Pets & Equine for the cloning process. The total cost of cat cloning with ViaGen is $50,000 USD. The resulting clone will be genetically identical to the original cat, sharing the exact same DNA and serving as a full genetic twin.

Understanding the Cloning Process

ViaGen Pets & Equine guarantees that the cloned animals will look identical to the original, but their personalities will develop based on external factors such as their environment, diet, and upbringing. Anderson noted that while Belle and Chai share some baseline personalities, Belle exhibits a completely different personality, showcasing bold, playful, and adventurous traits.

Addressing Controversies and Opposition

Cloning dogs and cats remains a relatively new and controversial practice, with opponents advocating for pet adoption and expressing concerns about ethical implications. Anderson has faced criticism and negative feedback, including messages questioning her ethical stance and accusing her of using a cloned cat for financial gain.

Organizations like PETA have raised objections to the promotion of cloning, emphasizing the impact on shelter animals and discouraging the creation of a cloning trend. Anderson, who has a background in animal training and fostering, has defended her decision, emphasizing her love for Chai and the desire to preserve a part of her beloved pet.

Conclusion

Cloning a cat is a deeply personal decision that reflects the profound bond between a pet owner and their cherished companion. While the cost of cloning a cat may be substantial, for individuals like Kelly Anderson, the opportunity to welcome a genetic twin of their beloved pet brings immeasurable comfort and joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is cloning a cat legal?
Yes, cloning a cat is legal, and there are companies that specialize in pet cloning services.

2. Can the cloned cat have a different personality?
Yes, while the cloned cat will share the same genetic makeup as the original, its personality can be influenced by various external factors.

3. Are there ethical concerns associated with cloning a cat?
Cloning animals, including cats, has raised ethical considerations and sparked debates within the animal welfare community.

4. How does cloning a cat impact shelter animals?
Some organizations express concerns that promoting cat cloning may divert attention and resources from shelter animals in need of homes.

5. Can a cloned cat live a healthy life?
Cloned cats have the potential to live healthy lives, similar to non-cloned cats, with proper care and attention.

6. What are the alternatives to cloning a cat?
Instead of cloning, individuals can consider adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue organization, providing a loving home to a cat in need.