In Minecraft, taming animals is a satisfying and helpful part of the gameplay experience. Ocelots, the wild feline creatures found in jungle biomes, used to be tameable and would transform into cats. However, game updates have changed their mechanics, creating some confusion among players. Taming an ocelot now works differently from previous versions, and understanding the current method can help you better interact with these elusive jungle creatures. Whether you want to befriend an ocelot for fun or complete an in-game challenge, knowing how to tame ocelot in Minecraft properly is essential.
Understanding Ocelots in Minecraft
What Are Ocelots?
Ocelots are passive mobs that spawn exclusively in jungle biomes. They are known for their yellow fur with black spots, resembling real-life wild cats. Ocelots are skittish and will run away from players if approached too quickly, making them tricky to interact with. They do not attack players and serve no hostile purpose, but they do contribute to the immersive nature of the jungle environment.
Differences Between Ocelots and Cats
Before Minecraft 1.14, taming an ocelot would turn it into a cat. However, starting with version 1.14 and onward, ocelots and cats became separate entities. Now, cats spawn in villages and can be tamed with fish to become pet cats. Ocelots, on the other hand, can be ‘gained trust’ but not fully tamed in the traditional sense. This is important to remember so you’re not confused by outdated information.
Where and When to Find Ocelots
Jungle Biomes
Ocelots only appear in jungle biomes, which can be rare in some Minecraft worlds. You may need to explore far from your starting point to find one. Once in a jungle, look for open spaces within the dense foliage. Ocelots are more likely to spawn in light levels of 7 or higher on grass blocks with two blocks of air above.
Spawning Conditions
They typically spawn alone or in pairs and are more active during the day. They despawn when no players are nearby, so you’ll need to act quickly when you encounter one. Bring a bed and food so you can stay in the jungle for a while without risking nighttime dangers.
What You Need to Tame an Ocelot
Raw Fish Essential for Trust
While you can’t tame an ocelot in the classic sense anymore, you can gain its trust by feeding it raw fish. The types of fish that work include:
- Raw Cod
- Raw Salmon
You can catch these fish using a fishing rod in any body of water. Fishing is often easier if you craft an enchanted rod with the Luck of the Sea or Lure enchantments, which increase efficiency. Aim to collect at least 10 pieces of raw fish before attempting to approach an ocelot.
How to Gain an Ocelot’s Trust
Approach Carefully
Ocelots are extremely wary of players. If you sprint or move too quickly, they will run away. To approach an ocelot effectively, follow these steps:
- Hold the raw fish in your hand
- Enter sneak mode by holding the crouch button
- Slowly move toward the ocelot, stopping if it starts to back away
The key is patience. If the ocelot shows interest and begins moving toward you on its own, stop moving entirely. Let it approach and don’t make sudden moves.
Feed the Ocelot
Once the ocelot is close enough, you can feed it the raw fish. Right-click or tap the screen (depending on your device) to give it fish. It may take several fish before the ocelot begins to trust you. You’ll know you’ve gained its trust when hearts appear above its head, and it no longer flees when you move around.
Trust vs Taming
Even after gaining trust, the ocelot will not follow you or behave like a pet. It will remain where it is unless you push or lead it. However, a trusting ocelot will not despawn, and it may continue to stay in the area, making it more like a semi-domesticated creature rather than a fully tamed pet.
What You Can Do With a Trusting Ocelot
Scaring Off Creepers
Although you cannot make an ocelot sit or follow, it will still scare off creepers. This makes it useful as a passive security system around your base or farm. Simply leave a trusting ocelot near important structures, and creepers will avoid the area.
Breeding Ocelots
If you gain the trust of two ocelots, you can breed them. To do so:
- Ensure both ocelots are trusting you
- Feed both of them raw fish
If successful, a baby ocelot will spawn nearby. The baby will also be trusting, and it may grow into an adult ocelot over time if left undisturbed. Breeding ocelots is a great way to increase their population without needing to search more jungle biomes.
Tips for Success
Bring Plenty of Fish
Ocelots are picky, and they may take several fish before trusting you. Don’t try to approach one with only one or two fish it’s not worth the effort. Bring at least 1015 raw fish to be safe.
Build a Small Jungle Base
If you plan to tame multiple ocelots or stay in the biome for a while, build a temporary jungle base. Bring a bed, crafting table, furnace, and chest to make your stay more manageable. This will also help you safely fish and prepare materials without having to run back to your main base.
Use Leads or Boats
Since trusting ocelots won’t follow you like wolves or cats, you can use a lead to bring them with you. Alternatively, push or coax them into a boat and transport them across water. Be careful not to damage the boat or hurt the ocelot in transit.
Other Related Gameplay Considerations
Achievements and Advancements
In Java Edition, players can earn the The Parrots and the Bats advancement by breeding any two animals, which includes ocelots. This makes gaining the trust of ocelots and breeding them not just a fun task but also part of progression.
Ocelots vs Cats in Modern Minecraft
Although cats are now separate from ocelots, many players confuse the two. Cats can be tamed in villages and will follow players, sit on beds, and even bring gifts during sleep cycles. If you’re looking for a proper pet that follows you and can be commanded, a village cat may be a better option. However, if your goal is immersion, survival mechanics, or ocelot breeding, the jungle-dwelling ocelot is still worth interacting with.
Taming ocelots in Minecraft is no longer about transforming them into pet cats, but instead about gaining their trust and learning to live alongside them. Although they won’t follow you or sit on command, trusting ocelots serve useful purposes, including scaring away creepers and breeding to populate your jungle base. By collecting raw fish, sneaking slowly, and being patient, you can form a peaceful relationship with these elusive creatures. Understanding how to tame ocelot in Minecraft helps players embrace the full depth of the game’s animal mechanics, particularly for those exploring the jungles in search of rare mobs and unique interactions.