If you’ve ever wondered why cats — those imperious, ancient companions of humanity — are nowhere to be found in the Chinese zodiac, blame a rat. And a river. And, perhaps, the cat’s own tendency to nap at the wrong moment.
The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were determined by a great race, summoned by the Jade Emperor himself. He declared that the first twelve animals to cross a vast river and reach his heavenly palace would each be honored with a year in the cycle. The cat and the rat, who were neighbors and close friends, agreed to travel together.
They were both poor swimmers, so they struck a deal with the powerful ox: they would guide him across the river in exchange for a ride on his broad back.
The plan worked perfectly—at first. But as they approached the far shore, the rat’s ambition took over. Just before reaching land, the rat pushed the cat off the ox’s back and into the rushing current. Then, with a quick leap, the rat jumped onto the riverbank and claimed first place, becoming the Year of the Rat.
Moments later, the steady ox arrived second, unaware of the betrayal that had just taken place. The cat, soaked and furious after struggling out of the water, reached the shore far too late to claim a place among the zodiac animals.
And so, the cat never made it into the zodiac at all. Left out of the grand celestial lineup, the cat was forced to watch from the sidelines while the other animals claimed their years.
The twelve winners were:
Tiger
Snake
Rooster
Rat
Rabbit
Pig
Ox
Monkey
Horse
Goat
Dragon
Dog
From that day on, cats have chased rats with a very particular determination — perhaps not just instinct, but a lingering sense that something about that old river race was never quite fair.
Like many folk tales, this one is less about facts and more about meaning. It’s a story about trust, cleverness, and the consequences of ambition — all told through animals we know well. It also gives a charming explanation for one of nature’s most famous rivalries: cat versus rat.
Whether you believe the legend or simply enjoy the tale, the next time your cat watches a rat with laser-focused intensity — or looks at you with those wise, mysterious eyes — you might wonder if it’s remembering a very old story.
And honestly? At Titunes Kittens, we think the cat deserved a spot.
Justice for the Cat 🐱
If the cat deserved a place in the zodiac, it definitely deserves a little celebration. Treat yourself — and support rescued cats — with our Fat Kitty With Mice Shea Butter Soap.
Every purchase helps support cat rescuers. 🐾
