Qingdao researchers clone first big cat By Xie Chuanjiao in Qingdao | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2021-01-19 15:40 Share CLOSE A research team at Qingdao Agricultural University in Shandong province announced recently that it had succeeded in cloning a jungle cat. The university is the first in China to clone a feline using a technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. Researchers said the technology of feline cloning is expected to play a role in studying animal diseases, developing new drugs and protecting endangered species. The white-and-black baby cat, born on Dec 24, weighed 75 grams and has been healthy. It was named Ping'an by researchers, meaning peace and safety. They hoped the cloned kitty would bring good luck for the New Year, as it was born at the end of a year that had seen massive global hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.