Cloning animals has been going on fairly often and the world’s first cloned cat, nicknamed CC for Copy Cat, recently passed away at the age of 18 years old. Copy Cat, was born Dec. 22, 2001, as a result of cloning work done by Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Copy Cat’s existence helped scientists better understand cloned animals. At the age of five, Copy Cat even became a mother, raising three kittens that lived with her for the rest of her life.

Of course, why bother cloning a cat when you can adopt a cat from any shelter? Hopefully people will see cloned cats as a way to advance science rather than a way to preserve a pet since all cats can make wonderful companions if you’re willing to adjust to another feline in your home.

To learn more about the life and death of the world’s first cloned cat, click here.