In Minecraft, taming a cat adds a layer of companionship and utility to your game. Cats not only follow you around once tamed, but they also help ward off Creepers and phantoms, making them both adorable and practical pets. If you’re building a cozy base or simply love animals in the game, learning how to tame a cat properly can make your world feel more alive. But the process isn’t instant you’ll need to gather resources, locate specific environments, and use the right technique to succeed. Whether you’re playing in survival mode or just want to fill your village with feline friends, this guide will show you step-by-step how to tame a cat in Minecraft.
Finding a Cat in Minecraft
Where Cats Spawn
Cats in Minecraft spawn naturally in two main places:
- Villages: Cats spawn near beds in villages that have at least one villager and four beds.
- Swamp Huts (Witch Huts): A black cat may spawn near witch huts, even if there are no villagers around.
Wandering through a village during the day is the easiest way to find stray cats. You can often find more than one roaming around, especially in large villages.
Time of Day Matters
Cats spawn both during the day and night, but they’re more likely to be found in villages at daytime when you’re safer from mobs. Always check around houses and near beds for wandering cats.
Preparing to Tame a Cat
Gathering Raw Fish
To tame a cat, you need raw fish. The most commonly used are:
- Raw Cod
- Raw Salmon
To collect fish:
- Craft a fishing rod using three sticks and two string.
- Fish in any body of water (river, lake, or ocean).
- Use a bucket to catch fish for storage if needed.
You may want to gather at least 10 raw fish to ensure success, as taming may take multiple tries.
Inventory Check
Before approaching the cat, make sure your raw fish is in your hotbar. This makes it easier to offer the fish when the opportunity arises. Also, remove any armor or weapons that might scare the cat.
How to Tame a Cat
Approaching the Cat
Cats are skittish and will run away if you get too close too quickly. To tame them:
- Hold raw cod or raw salmon in your hand.
- Sneak by holding the shift key (on PC) to move slowly.
- Wait for the cat to come to you on its own.
Chasing a cat will only scare it off. Patience is key when trying to tame one.
Feeding the Fish
Once the cat approaches:
- Right-click (or press the tame button on Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch) while holding the fish.
- Hearts will appear above the cat if taming is successful.
- If the cat doesn’t tame, try feeding it more fish until the hearts appear.
Confirming the Taming
Once tamed, the cat will wear a red collar by default and will no longer run away from you. It will follow you around and even teleport to you if you move too far away. You can also make it sit or stay in one place by right-clicking it.
Uses and Benefits of Tamed Cats
Protection from Creepers and Phantoms
One of the biggest advantages of having a tamed cat is their ability to scare away Creepers and phantoms. Creepers will not come within a short radius of a cat, making it a natural defense system for your base or village.
Sleeping With a Cat Nearby
When you sleep in a bed with a tamed cat nearby, there’s a chance the cat will give you a gift in the morning. These gifts can include:
- String
- Feathers
- Phantom Membranes
- Rabbit Hide
It’s a nice mechanic that adds character and rewards players who keep cats in their homes.
Breeding Tamed Cats
Once you have two tamed cats, you can breed them using raw cod or raw salmon. Simply feed both cats while they’re standing close together, and they will produce a kitten. The kitten will inherit the color of one of the parents and will also grow up over time or instantly with more food.
Different Cat Variants
Types of Cat Skins
There are eleven different cat skins in Minecraft, ranging from tabby to tuxedo to Siamese. The skin of a cat is determined randomly when it spawns, but you can find your favorites in villages or swamp huts.
Changing the Collar Color
You can change the collar color of your tamed cat using dye. To do this:
- Select the dye color of your choice in your hotbar.
- Right-click the cat while holding the dye.
This small customization helps identify your pets if you have multiple tamed cats.
Tips for Managing Cats
Teleportation Mechanics
If your cat gets left behind, it will teleport to you as long as you’re within 12 blocks vertically and 100 blocks horizontally. However, cats will not teleport if they are sitting. Always make sure to set them to follow mode before leaving an area.
Keeping Cats Indoors
Sometimes you don’t want your cats to wander. You can keep them indoors by making them sit or building enclosures. Doors and fences will help keep them in a specific area.
Cat Behavior and Movement
Cats like to sit on chests, beds, and furnaces. This can sometimes be inconvenient, as they may block access. To move them, simply make them stand or use a lead to guide them to a new location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tame a kitten directly?
No, only adult stray cats can be tamed. Kittens cannot be tamed, but they will grow into adults over time. You must wait until they are full-grown before using raw fish to tame them.
Do cats protect you in combat?
No, cats do not attack mobs or defend players in combat. Their main role is to deter Creepers and phantoms by their presence, not by fighting.
How many cats can I tame?
There is no limit to how many cats you can tame in Minecraft. You can fill your entire base with cats if you want, as long as you have enough fish and time.
Taming a cat in Minecraft is a rewarding experience that brings charm, functionality, and protection to your gameplay. By locating a village, collecting raw fish, and patiently approaching a stray cat, you can build a lasting bond with one of Minecraft’s most beloved mobs. Once tamed, your cat can help you avoid danger, bring gifts, and become part of your home. Whether you’re a casual player or a Minecraft veteran, adding a cat to your world is always a good idea.