Embarking on your Minecraft adventure is often about building, exploring, and surviving, but did you know you can also have feline companions? While Minecraft doesn’t feature literal cats you can “train” in the traditional sense like dogs, you can acquire and interact with ocelots, which can then transform into domestic cats. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about acquiring and keeping these adorable companions in your blocky world.
Acquiring Your First Feline Friend: Taming Ocelots
The journey to owning a cat in Minecraft begins with finding and taming ocelots. These wild cats are typically found in jungle biomes.
Finding Ocelots
Jungle biomes are characterized by their dense vegetation, tall trees, and vibrant colors. Ocelots are relatively rare, so patience is key. They spawn in well-lit jungle areas.
Taming Ocelots
Taming an ocelot requires a specific approach: stealth and the right food.
- Stealth is Crucial: Ocelots are skittish. You must approach them without them noticing you. Crouch (press Shift by default on PC) and move slowly towards the ocelot. Do not sprint or jump, as this will scare them away.
- The Right Treat: Ocelots are attracted to raw fish. Gather a good supply of raw cod or raw salmon before you set out.
- The Taming Process: Once you are close enough while crouching, hold the raw fish in your hand and right-click on the ocelot. Continue to offer fish until hearts appear above its head, indicating it has been tamed. It’s often necessary to offer several pieces of fish.
Once tamed, the ocelot will transform into a domestic cat. This cat will now follow you and will be wary of creepers, fleeing from them when they get too close.
Understanding Your New Cat Companion
Your tamed cat isn’t just for show; it offers some unique benefits and behaviors in Minecraft.
Cat Behaviors and Interactions
- Following and Sitting: Tamed cats will follow their owner around the world. You can command them to sit by right-clicking on them. This is useful for keeping them in one place while you work on other tasks.
- Creeper Deterrence: One of the most valuable traits of a cat is its ability to scare away creepers. If a creeper gets too close to your cat, the cat will flee, effectively luring the creeper away from you. This can be a lifesaver during those unexpected nighttime raids.
- Gift of Phantom Membrane: Occasionally, after you sleep in a bed, your cat might bring you a “gift” when you wake up. This gift can be a phantom membrane, string, or even gunpowder. Phantom membranes are particularly useful for crafting Slow Falling potions.
- Purring and Meowing: Cats will frequently purr and meow, adding to the ambiance of your base and providing a sense of companionship.
Breeding Cats
If you want more feline friends, you can breed your cats. Similar to taming, you’ll need raw fish.
- Hold raw fish in your hand.
- Right-click on two different tamed cats.
- Both cats will run towards each other, and hearts will appear. A kitten will then spawn shortly after.
The kitten will grow into an adult cat over time. You can speed up this process by feeding it raw fish.
Customizing Your Cat’s Appearance
Unlike some other tamed mobs, cats in Minecraft come in a variety of colors and patterns. When you tame an ocelot, it has a chance to turn into one of sixteen different cat variants. These include:
- Black
- Ginger
- Tabby
- Siamese
- Persian
- Ragdoll
- British Shorthair
- Calico
- White
- Cream
- All Black
- Gray Tabby
- Red Tabby
- Cinnamon
- Blue Cream
- Black Domestic
You cannot choose the color when taming; it’s determined randomly. However, if you breed cats, the kitten’s color is influenced by the parents’ colors.
Alt text: A collage showcasing the 16 different cat breeds available in Minecraft, each with unique colors and patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minecraft Cats
Q1: Can I give my cat armor in Minecraft?
A1: No, unlike horses, cats cannot be equipped with armor in Minecraft. Their defense comes from their ability to scare off creepers and their own small hitbox.
Q2: How do I make my cat stop following me?
A2: To make your cat stop following you, right-click on it to make it sit. It will remain in that spot until you right-click it again to make it stand and follow you.
Q3: What is the best way to find ocelots?
A3: Ocelots spawn exclusively in jungle biomes. Explore these biomes thoroughly, especially in areas with dense foliage, and approach cautiously while crouching.
Q4: Can I dye my cat a different color?
A4: No, you cannot dye or change the color of a tamed cat in Minecraft. The color is fixed once it’s tamed or born. If you desire a different color, you’ll need to tame another ocelot or breed existing cats.
Q5: Do cats help in combat?
A5: While cats don’t directly attack mobs, their presence is invaluable. They scare creepers away, which is a significant defensive benefit, especially in early-game or when building near dangerous areas.
Conclusion: The Joy of Feline Companionship in Minecraft
Having cats in Minecraft adds a delightful layer to the gaming experience. From the thrill of taming a wild ocelot to the comfort of having a loyal companion purring by your side, these virtual felines bring a unique charm to your blocky world. They not only provide aesthetic appeal but also offer practical benefits, most notably their aversion to creepers and the occasional surprise gifts. So, venture into the jungles, gather some fish, and bring home your very own Minecraft cat companion today!
