Why is the cat not in Chinese zodiac?

Monday, January 22, 2024

In the Chinese Zodiac, the well-known twelve animal signs include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. However, there's an intriguing question: Why is the cat not among them?

Legendary Tale

There's a legend associated with the omission of cats from the Chinese Zodiac, involving the origin of the zodiac signs. According to the tale, in ancient times, there was a selection competition for the zodiac animals. The Rat got wind of the event and informed its good friend, the cat. Unfortunately, the cat overslept and missed the message, failing to attend the selection. As a result, the Rat sailed to the event and successfully secured a place among the zodiac animals.

Chinese History and Culture

Beyond the legend, Chinese history and culture also offer some explanations for the absence of cats. In ancient times, cats were not as beloved as they are today. In contrast, dogs were always considered loyal companions, guarding homes, making them a favored choice for inclusion in the zodiac.

Symbolic Meanings of the Zodiac

Each zodiac animal carries unique symbolic meanings and cultural significance. The selection of these animals is often influenced by people's specific perceptions of animals and their symbolic importance in Chinese culture. Cats, lacking specific symbolic significance in traditional Chinese culture, didn't secure a place among the zodiac signs.

Ranking of the Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals and Corresponding Years:

Rat (鼠): 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox (牛): 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger (虎): 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit (兔): 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon (龙): 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Snake (蛇): 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse (马): 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Goat (羊): 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Monkey (猴): 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Rooster (鸡): 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Dog (狗): 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Pig (猪): 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

  • Son, do you know why the cat is not in the Chinese zodiac?
    儿子，你知道为什么猫不在中国生肖里吗？
    Érzi, nǐ zhīdào wèishéme māo bù zài Zhōngguó shēngxiào lǐ ma?
  • I don't know, why?
    不知道，为什么呢？
    Bù zhīdào, wèishéme ne?
  • It is said that the cat didn't make it to the Jade Emperor's selection ceremony on time, so it wasn't chosen as one of the twelve zodiac animals.
    猫没能及时赶到玉帝的生肖选拔盛会，所以就没被选上成为十二生肖之一。
    Māo méi néng jíshí gǎndào Yùdì de shēngxiào xuǎnbá shènghuì, suǒyǐ jiù méi bèi xuǎn shàng chéngwéi shí'èr shēngxiào zhī yī.

After reading this article, do you know why the cat is not in the zodiac? Come and tell us!

Related Articles

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

We offer secure and convenient payment options, including PayPal. PayPal is a widely recognized and trusted online payment platform that provides a secure way to make transactions. We also follow industry-standard security protocols to ensure the safety of your personal and financial information.
We offer a referral program that rewards both you and your friend with free classes.To participate, simply refer a friend to our program and once they successfully enroll, both you and your friend will receive free classes.We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you and your friend achieve your language learning goals.
We provide a wealth of Chinese teaching materials and learning resources, including but not limited to textbooks, workbooks, listening materials, reading materials, video courses, and online courses.Our teaching materials and resources are carefully selected and designed to meet the learning needs and goals of different learners. At the same time, our teachers will provide personalized teaching and guidance based on the learning characteristics and needs of students to ensure that students can learn and master Chinese language efficiently.
Our learning is different from traditional language learning in a number of ways. Firstly, we use technology to enhance the learning experience and provide personalized learning paths for each student. Secondly, our focus is not just on language proficiency, but also on cultural understanding and practical application of the language.Thirdly, we place a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and writing.Additionally, we incorporate modern teaching methods and materials, such as multimedia resources and interactive exercises.Finally, our courses are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedule.
No, the tuition fees you have paid cover all costs.There are no additional fees or hidden charges. We strive to be transparent and upfront with our pricing, ensuring that our clients receive the best value for their investment.
We offer highly flexible class schedules that cater to your needs, with lessons available from 7am to 10pm Beijing time, seven days a week.This allows you to conveniently take lessons at any time and from any location that suits your schedule.