Cats do not appear in the traditional Chinese zodiac, mainly for historical and cultural reasons.
The Chinese zodiac originated from the ancient farming society, using animals as symbols to represent the year. These animals include rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog and pig. These animals are associated with specific years in the lunar calendar.
As for why cats are not included in the zodiac, there are several possible explanations:
1. Cultural differences: The Chinese zodiac is based on Chinese culture and tradition, and cats have not received the same attention and symbolic meaning as other animals in Chinese history.
2. Historical background: In ancient China, cats were not as widely kept as pets as they are today. In contrast, dogs were more common in China's farming society, hence their inclusion in the Chinese zodiac.
3. Lack of legends and stories: Each animal in the zodiac has its own myths, legends and cultural stories, which give them special symbolic meaning. Cats do not play an important role in traditional Chinese stories and may not be included in the zodiac.
It is important to note that cats have a special status and symbolic meaning in other cultures. For example, in ancient Egyptian civilization, cats were worshiped as sacred animals. Each culture has its own unique animal symbols and legends, which reflect different historical and cultural backgrounds.
