To some people being a rat sound like a awful thing. In the U.S.A. we associate it with someone who is sneaky or who tells another person's secret. This is where we get the phrase "rat someone out," it means to tell on someone for doing something that they shouldn't; however in Chinese horoscope the rat is a person who is smart, quick witted and well liked.

The following years are considered to be the year of the rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008. If you believe you were born in the year of the rat you would be wise to look it up on a Chinese calendar. The Chinese New Year falls on a different day every year!

People who were born in the year of the rat are thought of as very talented. They are usually thoughtful, inquisitive, imaginative and very curious. Although there are many positives to being born in the year of the rat there are some negatives as well. People who were born in a rat year tend to need a lot of stimulation, mentally as well as physically. This can often make them appear needy or clingy. Sometimes if a rat feels that he is lacking this stimulation, he will try to take on too many tasks at one time to over compensate. This often results in the rat letting people down. If a rat feels as if they have taken on too much they may not complete all of their projects.

Diamonds are a rat's best friend! Rats also seem to enjoy garnet and amethyst. Many of them are drawn to blue hues. You might find may light blue shirts in their closet. Those born in Rat years seem to enjoy basket ball. They are also a creative bunch. Many of them love to draw and paint.

Rats are awesome conversationalists. The usually have a lot of friends, as they possess an ability to put others at ease. Most rats have something to say about anything and everything.

There are many careers that people with the Chinese horoscope rat will find fulfilling. They tend to make great homemakers. Their thirst for knowledge allows them to be excellent Researchers and Historians. Their keen ability to express themselves makes them great writers and comedians. Rats also tend to possess great leadership abilities. This makes the do well as managers, Directors, Administrators, and Entrepreneurs.

Rats tend to make great lovers. They are passionate about life and it really shine through. They make great parents and love their children dearly.