Frankenstein's Cat: Cuddling Up to Biotech's Brave New Beasts

Emily Anthes explores how biotechnology is transforming animals, from genetic engineering to cloning. The book examines both the science and ethics behind creating animals with enhanced traits—such as cats that glow under ultraviolet light, disease-resistant livestock, and cloned pets. Anthes travels to laboratories, farms, and conservation facilities to investigate how scientists are using these tools. She documents encounters with sensor-wearing seals, cyborg beetles, a bionic bulldog, and the world's first cloned cat. The book also discusses practical applications, including using cloning to protect endangered species, creating prosthetics for injured animals, and developing disease-resistant farm animals. Through interviews with scientists, conservationists, ethicists, and entrepreneurs, Anthes considers both the potential benefits and concerns of biotechnology for animals and humans. The book addresses what these scientific advances reveal about human values and our relationship with the natural world.