One of the most famous stories concerning the Chinese Zodiac is The Great Race, which explains why there are twelve animal signs under the Chinese Zodiac system. Legend says that Buddha (other versions say the Jade Emperor of Heaven) once invited all the animals to a race; the first twelve would be included in the Zodiac calendar. The strong and powerful Ox was leading the pack, followed closely by the Rat. When they came upon a river, the Rat asked the Ox to carry him across since he couldn’t swim. The kind-hearted Ox gave him a lift, but the cunning Rat quickly jumped ahead of the Ox right after they reached the shore. This is why the smallest animal in the pack made it to first place in the Zodiac calendar.
The other animals started coming in. The Rat and the Ox placed first and second, followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster and the Dog. The last animal to arrival was the Pig, who walked leisurely, ate and rested all throughout the race. But why was the Cat absent from the race? According to the legend, both the Rat and the Cat hitched a ride on the back of the Ox, but the Rat pushed the Cat into the river midway through. The Cat, being a poor swimmer, eventually made it to the shore but was too late. The Pig had arrived, and all twelve spots were taken. This, supposedly, is why cats and rats have been bitter enemies since.
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