A young girl by the name of Tohru Honda ends up living in a tent after the death of her mother. The forest where her tent is camped happens to be owned by the Sohma family. Some members of the family find out about her housing situation and make an offer for her to stay with them. She graciously accepts her lodgings in exchange for her doing the housework and cooking.

Come to find out, the Sohma family is under a curse. They members are possessed by the vengeful spirits of the Chinese Zodiac. Every time a member is hugged by the opposite sex, they transform into their respective animal, or if they become weakened. As a result there are some bizarre and humorous situations. But the curse also hold cruelty and heartbreak. The family realize more and more everyday, just how lucky they are to have the kind and generous Tohru in their lives.  Will Tohru be able to heal the hearts of the Sohma family?