Grandmother's story of the Chinese zodiac animals: Naomi wondered why there is no Year of the Cat in the Chinese Zodiac. So when Naomi's grandmother called from Japan, Naomi asked her to explain. Grandmother told Naomi the altered story about zodiac animals from great Old China, how twelve animals raced to share their good traits with people born during the years each of these animals are honored. Not content that her beloved cat was not among those honored, Naomi decided to celebrate her own Year of the Cat. Her Grandmother praised her for creating the greatest honor for her pet, the Year of her Love.