What year is the cat according to the zodiac calendar? - briefly
The Cat is not included in the traditional Chinese Zodiac calendar.
What year is the cat according to the zodiac calendar? - in detail
The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year in that cycle being represented by an animal. The Cat is not one of the traditional animals in this cycle. The twelve animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The Cat's exclusion from the Chinese Zodiac is often attributed to a legend where all animals were invited to a meeting called by the Jade Emperor. The first twelve animals to arrive were chosen to represent each year in the cycle. The Cat and the Rat were good friends but did not trust the Ox, who was known for his lack of tact, to secure their place in the cycle. They decided to hitch a ride on the Ox's back, planning to jump off just before the meeting to ensure they arrived early. However, the Rat betrayed the Cat by pushing it off the Ox's back at the last moment, securing its own place in the zodiac while the Cat missed out.
Despite not being part of the official Chinese Zodiac, some cultures and traditions do recognize the Cat as a symbolic animal with its own year. In some interpretations, the Cat is associated with the Year of the Rabbit due to their shared attributes of gentleness and grace. However, this association is not universally accepted or recognized in the traditional Chinese Zodiac system.
In summary, while the Cat holds a special place in folklore and some cultural interpretations, it does not have an official year in the traditional Chinese Zodiac calendar. The twelve-year cycle is represented by the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.