Can I Clone My Cat From Hair?

Can I Clone My Cat From Hair?

If you have ever wondered if you can clone your cat from his hair, you are not alone. Many cat lovers keep a tuft of fur as a cherished keepsake after having had to say a difficulty goodbye to their companion. But when it comes to the science of cloning, where do hair samples stand? Let’s explore what makes a viable sample for cat cloning and answer this question; can I clone my cat from a hair sample?

The Science Behind Samples Used In Cloning

The straightforward answer is unfortunately, no. While your beloved cat’s hair holds sentimental value, it sadly does not contain the living cells required for cloning technology to work. Even if the strands of hair still have a hair follicle attached, those cells are usually no longer alive or suitable for cloning.

Cloning depends on cells called fibroblasts, which are skin cells that are able to be reliably cultured and also contain your cat’s full genetic profile, allowing our laboratory team to successfully preserve your cat’s genetics.

Hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin, and does not contain these essential living cells needed for successful cloning.

What About Other Samples?

Blood:

Blood samples are sometimes useful for DNA verification but cannot be used for cloning. We offer an independent DNA profiling service to establish a full genetic profile for your cat that requires a small blood sample. You can find out more about this service in the price list tab on our website: Price List: Cloning at Gemini Genetics

Teeth:

Teeth are made up of hard mineralised tissue, and do not actually contain any living cells that cannot be used for cloning!

Saliva and Urine:

These sorts of bodily fluids unfortunately do not contain the intact living cells required for the cloning process.

What Sort Of Samples Can Be Used For Cloning?

Skin samples are the best samples to use for cloning your cat as they contain the essential fibroblast cells needed for this process. These can be obtained by 6mm skin biopsies which can be taken either post-mortem or for live samples upon veterinary discretion. For post-mortem samples only, we also require a 2cm x 2cm ear snips. For more information about sample taking instructions, please consult the Emergency tab on our website: Emergency Cat & Dog Cloning Instructions.

In conclusion, if you are considering preserving your pet’s genetics, it is important to collect the appropriate skin samples. If you have any questions about the process or need help navigating your pet cloning journey, you can email us at info@geminigenetics.com

For more information about our genetic preservation and cell culture services, you can consult our online company brochure here: Gemini-Genetics-Company-Brochure-2025.pdf

For more information about our US-based cloning partners, you can consult their website here: www.viagenpets.com