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

Our teaching methodology is centered around our students and their individual learning objectives.We provide personalized learning plans, innovative and flexible teaching materials and methods, and strive to make learning Chinese a joyful and enjoyable experience.Our approach is designed to engage students and foster a deep understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and customs. We believe that learning should be fun and meaningful, and we work hard to ensure that every student enjoys their Chinese language learning journey with us.
Our Chinese learning method is focused on personalized and interactive one-on-one lessons with a professional teacher. The lessons are conducted live through our online teaching platform, which allows you to see and talk to the teacher. You can schedule the lessons at a time that suits you, and the teacher will tailor the lesson content to your specific needs and goals. During the lesson, you can ask questions and receive feedback from the teacher to ensure you understand and master the knowledge and skills being taught. We also have a student service team and academic coordinator team to assist you with your learning and provide any additional support you may need.Overall, our method is designed to be flexible, personalized, and interactive to help you achieve your language learning goals.
Yes, our website offers courses in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose the character set that you want to learn based on your personal preference or learning goals.Our courses are designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, so whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have resources that can help you improve your Chinese language skills.
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.
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.
As a first - time student, if you are not completely satisfied with our service, we offer a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your subscription before the first month. In such cases, we only charge a one - month fee and refund the remaining balance to you as soon as possible.We strive to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied with our service and are committed to providing a hassle - free refund process.