Tarazet: Cloned Cats a Hit

October 10, 2004

Cloned Cats a Hit

Everyone gushed over the cloned kittens at the Cat Fancier Show. From SABC:

Twin cloned kittens were the highlight of the 2004 Cat Fanciers' Association/IAMS New York Cat Show. The kittens, Tabouli and Baba Ganoush, are exact replicas of Tahini. Despite being mirror images of each other Tahini reacts so badly to the twins they have to be confined to separate units.

The pet cloning company who created the kittens has several clients lined up to have their pets duplicated. However, it doesn't come cheap at US$50 000 (R360 000).

Although the kittens were stealing the attention at the cat show in New York neither were allowed to compete in the competition, ensuring that the winner will ultimately be one-of-a-kind.

Does anyone else find it disturbing that the original cat doesn't want to be around the cloned kittens? I find it even more insane that people would pay $50 thousand dollars to have a clone. As I've blathered before, you can make a replica but it won't be the original because it won't have the same early life experiences that shape a cat's personality. I maintain that cloning is a bad idea. Damn but I wish these folks would just head to the local shelter and adopt a needy cat or kitten. Then they'll have a loving "original" to cherish.

Posted by Jeff Soyer at October 10, 2004 08:12 PM

Comments

I totally agree with you on this.

My 3 cats are so wonderful and I love them and all, but I would not pay for a clone of them, even if I did have the money. Call me crazy, but I'd want to use it to help out homeless animals myself.

It hurts to only be able to have that pet for a short amount of time, but it makes the experience worthwile and the memories extra special. If the second or third clone of a person's cat died, would they mourn over that cat like they did the original? I'm scared it would get to the point where they wouldn't even care too much...they'd just run out and get a new clone while millions of cats (and dogs) are being euthanized ever year in shelters.

Just thinking about what each person's 50 grand could've went toward in donations, spaying/neutering, or trying to help unwanted pets find homes makes me really sick.

Posted by: Michelle at October 11, 2004 01:45 PM

Cloning should not be allowed. Also cloned animals do not live very long. Someone is trying to tell them something. If you lose a beloved pet, let it rest in peace, don't try to bring it back from the dead, it won't be the same. Adopt a cat or kitten. There are plenty who need love.

Posted by: Audrey at October 21, 2004 03:33 PM

You're both SO right. As I indicated, while the idea might be enticing, the fact is that a clone is no better than a photo of an original work of art.

In the meantime, there are a bunch of undiscovered works of art waiting for you at the local shelter.

Posted by: Jeff Soyer at October 21, 2004 07:12 PM