Rescue Offering Holiday Discount For New Fur Babies In Vegas

An orange tabby cat is sitting on a gray couch surrounded by warm white Christmas lights. Rescue Vegas.

Tabby Cat playing with Christmas lights

Konstantin Aksenov via Getty Images

Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions has announced they're offering a holiday discount on their adult cats. So Las Vegas locals can take them home just in time for Christmas.

There's no place like home for the holidays, especially when you're snuggled up to a new fur baby. Las Vegas has a lot of homeless pets, both cats and dogs. But Homeward Bound is helping find homes for some of these animals in need. And with the help of a grant from the Gene Haas Foundation, Homeward Bound is able to give a generous discount to new pet owners.

But a new pet will still come with all the extras of a new adoption, even at the discounted price.

For just $25 adoption fee on any cat over a year old, a new owner will still get everything all the pets at Homeward Bound come with. All pet adoptions at the shelter include up-to-date vaccinations that are age-appropriate. As well as a microchip and spay or neutering.

The Homeward Bound Cat Adoption center is located at 2675 East Flamingo Road, Suite 3 in Las Vegas. On the corner of Eastern and Flamingo. Their hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 pm. The $25 adoption special only goes through closing on Tuesday, December 12. But the center will be open beyond, closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

So even if you don't take advantage of the holiday discount this week, you can still bring home a new cat before Christmas. Or if you have a pet-lover on your list who can't take in a new animal, you can make a donation in their name to the shelter.

You can see all the cats available for adoption at Homeward Bound Cat Adoption center, and get more information, at homewardboundcats.org.

-Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ

5 Reasons Why Black Cats Make The Best Pets

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.

1. They are beautiful.

Black cat lying in grass and looking directly at the camera.

[IanGoodPhotography] via Getty Images

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.

2. They're less likely to get sick.

The veterinarian is examining the cat using a stethoscope.

[deeepblue] via Getty Images

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.

3. They're less likely to get eaten.

black cat under black table looking at camera

[Nils Jacobi] via Getty Images

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.

4. They're less likely to get stolen.

Homeless cat on the street. Concept of caring and helping animals

[viki-melkiu] via Getty Images

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.

5. It's like having a mini panther!

[Александр Семенов] via Getty Images

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

Animal Rescue Las Vegas Pet Adoption

Wendy RushEditor

Wendy Rush is the midday host on one of Vegas's top stations, 96.3 KKLZ. She has been with the station for ten years and comes with a diverse career background. In addition to being a radio host, Wendy has lived the Vegas life as an entertainer. She has been a celebrity impersonator, rock band singer, and improv comedian. As a content creator for 96.3 KKLZ, Wendy writes about music, celebrities, mental health and wellness, and life as a Las Vegas local.