The Most Popular Pets In Nevada Might Surprise You

I actually assumed the third most popular pet in Nevada might be the desert tortoise. We have so many of those around as well. Turns out that's not the case. We are also very known in Nevada for our large population of rats. Though residents aren't quick to domesticate the ones running through our trees and into our attics. And then there is the ever-present wild coyote. But if you're brave enough to try to tame one of those puppies when it comes around, more power to you.

Trusted House Sitters recently released their findings from data regarding pet ownership between 2018 and 2023. And one thing is clear: people like to own weird animals. Birds and various species of reptiles are becoming more and more popular, according to their research (trustedhousesitters.com). The highest growth in popularity in 2018 was actually for the Crested Gecko. It saw a popularity increase of 1000%! It's actually the most popular pet in Louisiana.

Horses are the most popular weird/unique pet in many states across the country. Idaho, New Mexico and Montana love the American Quarter Horse. Kentucky and Maine are Thoroughbred lovers. And Arizona is a little more exotic with their favorite: the Arabian horse.

Reptiles are getting cozy in more homes these days too. The Leopard Gecko is the favorite unique pet in Alaska, Illinois and Minnesota. Vermont's favorite is the Ball Python. And the Bearded Dragon is West Virginia's unique pet of choice.

So which is the most popular unique pet in Nevada? Nope. Not the guinea pig. Not the chinchilla. Our third most favorite pet after dogs and cats is...wait for it...the rabbit.

I know...I thought it would have been something more exotic too. But hey, we still love our bunnies. If you want the whole list from Trust House Sitters, you can find it here.

-Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ

The black cat has gotten a really bad rap over the years. Some say the superstition against them has been around since the medieval period. But why? A few of them were in the wrong place at the wrong time? That forever linked their descendants to bad luck? Not cool. Also not universal. Black cats are actually good luck in some countries. There's a superstition in England that says giving  one to a couple on their wedding day will bring the marriage good luck. A married couple with a black cat is expected to have a long and happy life together. The superstition also says that the cat in the home will scare away evil spirits. Japan has a similar positive connection to black cats and love. Their tradition is that a single woman who has a one will have her choice of suitors to pick from. Japan also has beliefs that a black cat will bring wealth and prosperity. French culture carries a similar belief.

And Russia takes the cake on cats being good luck for financial success. According to foreignpolicy.com, there is a bank in Russia that will loan you a cat for two hours when you sign mortgage papers. The new homeowners are supposed to let the cat walk across their new threshold for good luck. The cat can be any color, even black. The bank owners believe a feline crossing the threshold will ensure the new borrowers will return the bank's money with no issues. So a black cat in Russia is not only good luck, but banked on for good prosperity. See what I did there?

Superstitions or not, we think black cats make AMAZING pets. If you've never considered getting one, here are a few reasons we think you should.

The contrast of a black cat's dark coat with their bright eyes is gorgeous. Many have yellow eyes but there are some with blue as well. Also, their coats, when well cared-for, shine in a way cats of other colors just don't.

If you have ever owned a pet, you know those vet bills can add up. Well there's a little-known secret that black cats are more disease-resilient than cats of other colors. That could mean less money out of your pocket.

Black cats are great at camouflaging at night. And Las Vegas residents know coyotes in these parts are getting worse and worse. Your little black fur baby has a better chance at eluding these predators than their kitty counterparts.

This is where that bad black kitty stigma is a good thing. Because some people are superstitious against them, they're not as likely to get stolen if they're out wandering around. And some people swear they actually scare off would-be home invaders too.

There aren't many breeds of domestic cat that mimics the coloring of their wild counterparts. The black cat is one of the few who actually look like a mini version of a big cat. And let's face it...with Min Pins and Teacup Poodles, aren't minis where it's at these days? When someone asks what kind of cat you have, you can say "A Min Pan" (mini pather). :D

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