The bond between humans and their pets can be so strong that some people will go to extraordinary lengths to preserve it. Kelly Anderson, a Texas-based cat owner, spent £19,000 to clone her beloved cat Chai after losing her in 2017. This remarkable story of love, loss, and cutting-edge science showcases how far modern technology has advanced in the field of pet cloning.
The Deep Bond That Started It All
Image by pexels
Kelly Anderson’s relationship with her cat Chai was unlike any typical pet-owner relationship. Speaking on This Morning with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, Anderson described Chai as “the closest thing she could describe to a soulmate.”
The loss of Chai in 2017 devastated Anderson, particularly because the cat died at a young age. The unexpected death left Anderson heartbroken and searching for ways to cope with her grief. It was during this difficult time that she remembered a conversation about cloning that would eventually change her life.
The idea of cloning initially seemed like science fiction, but Anderson’s profound love for Chai made her seriously consider this expensive and complex option. Her emotional connection to the cat was so strong that she was willing to explore any possibility to maintain that bond.
How the £19k Cloning Process Worked
Anderson turned to ViaGen Pets, a Texas-based company that specializes in pet cloning services. The company is part of TransOva Genetics, which also offers dog cloning services for grieving pet owners seeking to recreate their beloved companions.
The cloning process involves taking genetic material from the deceased pet and creating a genetically identical copy. While the science is complex, the emotional motivation is simple – the desire to maintain a connection with a beloved animal companion who has passed away.
The substantial £19,000 cost reflects the sophisticated technology and expertise required for successful pet cloning. This investment represents one of the most expensive pet-related purchases imaginable, but for Anderson, the emotional value justified the financial commitment.
Meeting Belle: The Cloned Companion
Image by pexels
After years of waiting, Anderson finally received her cloned cat, whom she named Belle. During her This Morning appearance, she held Belle in her lap while speaking via video link, demonstrating the strong bond she had already formed with her new companion.
“Belle came into my life just last year. I was definitely worth the wait,” Anderson explained to the television hosts. The years between losing Chai and receiving Belle had been filled with anticipation and hope for this technological reunion.
However, Anderson was careful to manage her expectations about the cloning process. She understood that Belle would be genetically identical to Chai but would develop her own unique personality and characteristics.
Why This Woman Spends £19k Cloning Dead Cat Story Matters
Anderson emphasized that Belle is very much her own individual cat, despite sharing Chai’s genetics. “She is her own cat. I never expected her to be Chai, I never wanted her to be Chai,” she explained during the interview.
This realistic approach to cloning shows Anderson’s mature understanding of the process. Rather than expecting to get Chai back exactly as she was, Anderson appreciates Belle as a continuation of her connection to her original pet.
“It is a piece of Chai and that is what matters most to me, that I get to carry on a piece of her,” Anderson said, perfectly capturing her motivation for pursuing this expensive process.
Anderson’s story represents a growing trend in pet cloning services as the technology becomes more accessible and reliable. Companies like ViaGen Pets are making it possible for devoted pet owners to maintain genetic connections with their deceased companions.
While the £19,000 cost puts pet cloning out of reach for most people, advancing technology may eventually make these services more affordable. Anderson’s experience provides valuable insight into both the possibilities and limitations of current cloning technology.
Her story raises important questions about grief, attachment, and the lengths people will go to preserve relationships with their beloved pets in an age of rapidly advancing genetic science.
