In December 2001 researchers in Texas cloned a domestic cat, known as Cc (for Carbon copy) and it is the first time anyone has cloned a pet.
The creation of Cc was funded by Genetic Saving & Clone, a California company, that hoped to make money by cloning people's favourite dead or sick pets.
Cc was the only surviving animal of 87 kitten embryos created by cloning and 'appears healthy and energetic' say researchers at Texas Agricultural & Manufacturing University.
DNA tests have proven that Cc is a perfect genetic copy of her mother 'Rainbow' and not of the tabby surrogate cat that actually gave birth to her. However this has not meant that Cc is actually anything like her mother. As it turns out they do not act or even look alike. Rainbow is a typical calico with splotches of brown, tan and gold on white, while Cc has a striped grey coat over white, Rainbow is reserved where as Cc is curious and playful. Rainbow is chunky. Cc is sleek.
So cloning won't bring back your prized pussy - however there are other reasons for cloning cats. Mark Westhusin, a member of the cloning team, said there were serious scientific reasons for cloning a cat 'Cats have a feline AIDS that is a good model for studying human AIDS'.