The relationship between cat and mouse is counted among the most famous 'enemies' of the world. From childhood stories to cartoons, the two have always been seen chasing each other. But the question is, why does the cat chase the mouse and how did this enmity between the two become so famous?
The answer to this question is not found only in science. Folktales and mythological stories of different countries are also linked behind this. A famous Chinese story connects the beginning of this enmity to an interesting race.
The reason for enmity is hidden in Chinese folklore
According to Chinese folklore, once upon a time an emperor decided to select 12 animals for the 12-year zodiac sign. For this a race was organized among the animals. The 12 creatures that reached the destination first were to get a place in the zodiac circle.
In the story, the cat and the mouse are said to be good friends of each other at that time. Both of them prepared to join the race, but they were not used to getting up early in the morning. So they asked the bull for help in waking them up.
Big game happened while crossing the river
On the day of the race, the bull started carrying both of them across the river on his back. As the destination approached, the rat allegedly made a move and dropped the cat into the water. After this he jumped from the back of the bull and reached the destination first.
The rat stood first, while the bull reached second place. In this way the Rat got the first place in the Chinese zodiac. By the time the cat crossed the river, 12 places were filled.
According to the folk tale, the cat became very angry due to his friend's betrayal and from then onwards enmity started between the two.
What animals are in the Chinese zodiac?
A total of 12 animals are included in the Chinese zodiac. Their sequence starts with a rat and ends with a pig.
Its 12 symbols are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. Interestingly, the cat did not find a place in this list.
What does science say?
Folktales have their place, but according to science, the relationship between cat and mouse is quite natural. Cats are hunters and it is part of their natural instinct to chase small creatures.
Rat is a small sized and fast moving creature, hence it can become a potential prey for a hunter like cat. For this reason, it is considered natural predatory behavior for a cat to chase and try to catch a mouse.
On the other hand, rats also have the ability to alert by sensing the smell and presence of a potential predator. As soon as they feel danger, they try to hide or run away quickly.
Mention is also found in Indian texts
Mentions of cat and mouse relationships are not limited to Chinese folklore. Incidents related to both the creatures are also found in Indian ancient literature. Such tales often describe their nature, fear, cunning and the changing relationships between them as per the circumstances.
In this way, in the story of cat and mouse, on one hand there is the thrill of folklore, and on the other hand there is also the simple rule of nature. For the cat, the rat is a potential prey and for the rat, the cat is a potential threat. Perhaps this natural relationship is keeping this famous 'enmity' that has been going on for centuries alive till today.
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