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 instructors are highly skilled and experienced experts in Chinese language teaching, with proficiency in multiple languages. They hold at least a bachelor's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and possess extensive teaching experience and knowledge. Through a rigorous selection process and ongoing training, our instructors are equipped to provide students with authentic pronunciation, accurate language usage, and cultural background knowledge, all of which are essential for achieving mastery of the Chinese language.
Before starting any Chinese language course, the teacher will assess your Chinese language proficiency level through a placement test.This helps to determine your current level of understanding and ability in Chinese, and allows the teacher to tailor the course materials and teaching methods to your specific needs and goals. The placement test may include assessments of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.Based on the results of the test, the teacher will be able to recommend an appropriate course of study for you.
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 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.
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.
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.