How to Clone Your Cat: Cat Cloning UK

How to Clone Your Cat: A Complete Guide to Genetic Preservation and Cat Cloning UK

Introduction

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to preserve the unique bond you share with your beloved cat? With cat cloning UK services offered by Gemini Genetics, you can now recreate that special bond with your cherished feline companion. As the UK’s leading genetic preservation company, we partner with ViaGen Pets & Equine to make the dream of cloning your cat a reality.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about cat cloning UK, from the initial steps of genetic preservation to receiving your cloned kitten.

Why Clone Your Cat?

Cloning your cat is a deeply personal decision, often driven by emotional and practical reasons:

• Emotional Connection: Preserve the unique traits of your cat, that made your bond so special
• Legacy Creation: Most of our pets are neutered so its not possible using standard reproduction to have a kitten from them to continue their legacy.
• Rare Breeds: Protect the genetic lineage of a rare or pedigree breed.
• Scientific Curiosity: Be part of cutting-edge biotechnology that offers the ability to retain a living connection and legacy to your original cat

While cloned cats share 99.9% of the genetic makeup of the original, it’s important to remember that their personality and behaviour may develop differently based on their environment. For maximum similarity, be sure to provide your kitten with a similar environment to that of your original cat. Remember also that your cloned cat will start life as a kitten. They are therefore likely to become more and more similar to your original cat as they grow.

How Does Cat Cloning Work?

Cloning involves a precise and scientific process, starting with genetic preservation. Here’s how the cat cloning UK process works:

Step 1: Tissue Sample Collection

Tissue samples can be collected from live cats, upon veterinary discretion, or within 5 days after death of an animal.
For deceased cats, keep the body chilled at +4°C (not frozen) to preserve cell viability.
The sample is a small skin biopsy, performed by your vet. For post mortem animals, the sample also includes skin from the ear. All instructions can be accessed here – https://www.geminigenetics.com/emergency-cat-dog-instructions/

Step 2: Genetic Preservation at Gemini Genetics

Once the sample is received, our UK laboratory begins the genetic preservation process. As well as genetic preservation, you can also request our cell culture service which establishes if the submitted samples contain the living cells and living DNA that would be needed for future cloning. The cell culture process takes on average 7-10 days to complete. You can find the full list of our services, including costs, via our price list page and company brochure.

Step 3: Cell Storage

Preserved skin samples and cultured cells (where generated) are stored in alarmed liquid nitrogen (LN2) tanks at -196°C. This places the samples in suspended animation, meaning the samples can be kept in storage for as long as needed by the animal owner. There is no pressure to clone immediately.

Storage costs start at £12/month (+VAT), with the option to store samples at ViaGen for geographical diversity.

Step 4: The Cloning Process

The preserved cells are shipped to ViaGen Pets & Equine in the US. The DNA is transferred into a donor egg, which is then implanted into a surrogate mother.
After a standard gestation period, your cloned kitten is born.

Step 5: Receiving Your Cloned Kitten

Once ready, your cloned kitten can be transported to the UK. ViaGen Pets have an excellent customer service which means they will assist with delivery of your cloned pet to your home. You can also visit your cloned kitten in the US while waiting for them to be old enough to travel to the UK. Kittens need to be at least 16 weeks before they can travel to the UK as they have to be old enough for the vaccinations needed. Your cloned kitten will be genetically identical to your original cat, ie they are genetic / biological twins, the same as human identical twins, but with different birthdays.

As the UK’s first and only genetic preservation company, we provide a compassionate and professional service tailored to your needs. Here’s why cat owners trust us:

• Expertise: Our team are experts in the field of domestic animal genetic preservation for cloning. Trained by ViaGen Pets directly, we are proud to offer the same elite service standard as our world leading cloning partner.
• Partnership with ViaGen Pets & Equine: We collaborate with the number one, world leader in cloning technology.
• Convenience & Accessibility: UK-based laboratory, proud to offer services for pet & equine owners across the UK & Europe
• Client Support: We guide you through the process with care and transparency. All our staff are also trained in pet bereavement counselling, ensuring that we provide you with the highest standard of care and support, at a time that you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Cloning UK

1. How long does the cloning process take?

The entire process, from genetic preservation to receiving your cloned kitten, can take on average 12 months.

2. Is cloning ethical?

Cloning is a personal decision. While some view it as an opportunity to preserve a beloved pet, others may feel more comfortable re-homing a pet after their cat has passed away. The decision is yours and personal to you. Cloning also doesn’t mean you cant re-home another cat. Take your time to review the information and decide what is best for you.

3. Will the cloned cat look and behave exactly like the original?

Cloned cats are genetically identical. However, their behaviour and personality may differ due to environmental factors. For maximum similarity, remember to provide a similar environment to that of your original cat. Also be patient and remember your clone starts as a kitten so is likely to become more similar to the original cat as they grow older. Cloned Kitty’s website is again a brilliant resource for hearing directly from an owner who has already cloned their cat.

4. Can I clone my cat while it’s still alive?

Yes, genetic preservation can be done while your cat is alive, providing you have veterinary consent for the sample taking needed. Full instructions can be found here. Remember sample taking is strictly a veterinary procedure only and live sample taking suitability is to be decided by your animal’s vet.

5. What happens if the sample is not viable?

In rare cases where a sample is not viable, we will inform you immediately and discuss alternative options. Making sure you have followed the instructions for sample submission is really important to minimising the chance of a non-viable sample. Please ensure your vet follows the guidance given here and you contact us ahead of submitting a sample, so we can assist you at each stage of your journey.

Conclusion

Cloning your cat is a way to preserve the bond with your cherished feline companion and be part of an incredible journey of continuing their legacy. At Gemini Genetics, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your cat’s genetic material is preserved with the utmost care and professionalism.

If you’re ready to take the first step or have any questions, contact us today or visit our website for more information.

Contact Us: Call us at 01948 668 057 or WhatsApp 07710 778 016 for urgent inquiries.
Explore Our Services: Visit Gemini Genetics to learn more about genetic preservation and cloning.