This is the Year of the Tiger, the third animal in the Chinese zodiac. The tiger mainly represents two elements - wood and fire - and would, therefore, be a beneficial pet for those who need these elements within their astrological chart. Fortunately, the domesticated cat is an acceptable alternative: tigers and other big cats, such as leopards, panthers, cheetahs and lions, don't make good housemates. In Vietnamese culture, the fourth animal of the zodiac is the cat, rather than the rabbit, a fact that has been incorporated into certain English books about Chinese astrology. But in Chinese culture, the rabbit is associated with the peak of spring and thus the wood element. Keeping rabbits should bring prosperity to those for whom wood is auspicious. The most prominent and favoured Chinese zodiac animal, the dragon, ranks fifth. Being a mythological creature, it is clearly not possible to have one as a pet. However, dragon fish can serve as a viable alternative. In astrological terms, the dragon is associated with the final month of spring and represents three of the five elements; earth, water and wood. Those who benefit from these elements would do well to keep fish as pets. Note that some fung shui masters feel most types of fish can represent the dragon while others insist on only the dragon fish.