Chinese Zodiac Signs: The Story of the Cat and Rat

Long ago it is said that Emperor Huangdi, the first Chinese emperor in 2637 B.C. (the 14th century) had created what is known today as the Chinese zodiac. The zodiac became very popular because it was a way to determine a child’s birth year during the North Zhou Dynasty, and is even commonly used today. The zodiac is based on Chinese astrology, and was used as a way to count years, months, days, and even hours in a calendar. The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 animals which signify each year.

Although many know the story of how the zodiac was started, they don’t know that there was the 13th animal, the cat.

The story that most of you know is that long ago the Jade Emperor invited the entire animal kingdom to partake in a tremendous race! The first 12 animals able to cross the river would be assigned to a year of the Chinese zodiac system in order of appearance. The news spread fast and each animal was excited and thrilled for the race to begin. On the day of the race, all the animals gathered to the bank of the river. The rat was the winner of that race, which seems impossible since he was small and not a good swimmer, but he was smart and he used his knowledge to beat each animal. The rat had convinced the ox that if they worked together they would have a better chance of winning the race. Thee ox was strong so the ox carried the rat to the finish line. As they got close, the rat jumped off the ox and crossed the finish line first. The next to cross the line was the tiger, followed by the rabbit who was followed by the dragon, then the snake, horse, goat, monkey, and rooster, the dog became the 11th animal to cross the river and following him was the pig.

This was true, but they had left out a major detail. This detail would change how you viewed this story. This is the story of the cat and the rat.
The cat and rat were the best of companions, the sort of companions that spend practically every waking hour together. Both were exceptionally excited for the news of the immense race and instantly began to make arrangements to cross the river. Upon the arrival of the race, cat needed to take a little rest before the race began, since it would likely take a great amount of effort along with a lot of energy, so he asked his best friend the rat to wake him when the race was to start. However, all rat had thought about was winning the race.

When the time came for the race to start, the rat, instead of waking up his best friend the cat, he silently snuck out and headed for the shore of the river. After enjoying his refreshing nap, cat woke up to discover that the race was already over and his best friend rat had won first place. The cat was crushed and furious, at the same time and swore to despise rat forever. That is why the cat chases the rat.

Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960- Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.

Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961-the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.

Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog.

Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They’re popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home. Compatible with Goat or Pig.

Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964- those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart, they rely on gut feelings, are hard-working and intelligent. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.

Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. They’re great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter. Compatible with Dog or Tiger.

Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They’re creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is important too. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.

Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. They’re energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others. They’re heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, morals are weak. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.

Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. Compatible with Ox or Snake.

Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.

Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971-Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.