The basic principle of cloning is to make an exact genetic replica of an organism. In the same way that identical twins have the same genetic profile, animal clones are genetically identical to the “parent” animal from which the genetic material is obtained.
The process of animal cloning is called somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT. Genetic material is removed from the nucleus of an individual cell, which is then transferred into an egg cell which had its nucleus removed. Under the right conditions, that egg cell can then develop into a new organism – the clone.
For pet clones, the treated egg needs to be transferred into a surrogate female, who will carry and then give birth to the fully developed clone.
When my cat passes, i will bury her and mourne her lose, and likely eventually get a new different cat. The new cat could never replace the old cat, and placing that expectation on the new one is just cruel.
Get a new pet sure, but love it for its own uniqueness.
I agree with the sentiment but I don’t think the cat is going to get a complex about it.
If it meant that the owners didn’t treat it well or neglected it, that would be bad.
Like when people get a puppy, but put it up for adoption after it grows up and isnt a cute puppy anymore. Similar kind of risk if the clone puppy doesnt grow up to be a facsimile of the original.
I don’t really see any issue with it for this purpose. Granted its a rich persons thing.
Me neither. It kinda makes me wonder if the whole pet thing is just a way to popularize and fund research for arguably better uses of the technology. Not to bring capitalism into it, but definitely bringing capitalism and headline-seeking science into it.
For another perspective:
Yeah. I remember there was a thing about doing trials on drugs before people with pets because they live in our same environment encountering the same things.