In which horoscope is the year of the cat? - briefly
The year of the cat does not exist in any traditional or commonly recognized horoscopes, such as Western astrology or the Chinese zodiac.
In which horoscope is the year of the cat? - in detail
The Chinese zodiac, also known as Sheng Xiao, is an ancient system of astrology that has been used for centuries to determine one's personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses based on their birth year. This cyclical calendar is associated with twelve different animals, each representing a year in the cycle. The question of which horoscope pertains to the "year of the cat" arises from a common misunderstanding or confusion with the Western zodiac, where cats are not represented.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year is assigned one of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit (or Hare), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals are believed to have distinct characteristics that influence the lives of those born under their sign. The cycle repeats every twelve years, with each year in the cycle corresponding to one of these animals.
The cat is not one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Instead, it was the Rabbit (or Hare) who participated in the race organized by the Jade Emperor to determine the order of the zodiac. According to legend, the Cat and the Rat were good friends but lived far apart. When the news of the race reached them, they decided to travel together to participate. However, on their journey, they encountered a fast-flowing river. The Cat, being an excellent swimmer, suggested that they should cross the river by swimming, while the Rat preferred to find another way across because it was not a strong swimmer.
Unable to agree, they decided to part ways and continue the journey separately. The Rat found a boat with some sailors who helped it cross the river. Upon reaching the other side, the Rat sneaked into the room where the Jade Emperor was selecting the animals for the zodiac and hid behind a large pillar until the moment came for the selection. The Cat, on the other hand, continued to swim across the river but took much longer due to its size and the strong currents. By the time the Cat finally reached the shore, all the places in the zodiac had already been filled, and it was too late for the Cat to be included.
This legend explains why the Cat is not one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Instead, those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to possess qualities such as elegance, kindness, and sensitivity, while the Rat represents intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
In conclusion, there is no "year of the cat" in the Chinese zodiac. The twelve animals that make up this ancient system do not include the Cat, and those interested in understanding the characteristics associated with their birth year should refer to the corresponding animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.