It is said the 12 zodiac animals were selected and determined by the Jade Emperor, a god in Chinese myth. The animals — ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, pig and cat — were selected as the 12 zodiac animals, but the ranking was decided after a discussion between the Jade Emperor and the shortlisted animals. The Jade Emperor informed these animals they must enter the palace early the next morning for a meeting.

The cat was very happy to receive the notice. Afraid of oversleeping and delaying the event, the cat told his good friend, the mouse, to wake him early and the mouse agreed.