Once upon a time, one day in the end of December, God made an announcement to the animals.
"Come to my place on the morning of New Year's and extent me a cordial greeting. Whoever comes first will be considered the first guardian of the year and the number will end at twelve."
All the animals that heard the announcement were anxious to become the first to visit God.
They were all looking forward to New Year's.
However, careless Cat forgot when to visit God and asked Rat.
"God is very busy on New Year's so the greeting starts on the following day," says clever Rat that purposely told Cat the wrong date.
Cat thanked Rat and went happily home.
On New Year's, slow Ox left before dawn for the greeting before any animals.
Rat who saw Ox had left, quietly jumped on Ox's back.
Unaware of Rat, Ox arrived at God's house. The gate was closed and no one seems to have arrived yet.
"I'm first!" thought Ox satisfied.
Chinese zodiac animals: Rat and Ox greet God.
After a while, the sun rose and the gate opened.
At the moment, Rat jumped off the back of Ox and ran toward God, beating Ox. Stunned, Ox became second.
Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig followed along.
Poor Cat that was deceived by Rat, paid a visit to God for the New Year's greeting the following morning.
Missing a day, Cat was not included as the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
- That's why cats chase rats madly.
