Why Won’t That Ocelot Tame? A Minecraft Mystery Solved!

Ocelots in Minecraft are one of the game’s most elusive and misunderstood mobs. You’re likely here because you’ve approached one with raw fish in hand, waited patiently, and… nothing. It either runs away, takes the fish and vanishes, or just stares blankly. The reason? Ocelots can’t be “tamed” in the traditional sense anymore in recent versions of Minecraft. Instead, you gain their trust by feeding them raw fish, which prevents them from running away and makes them stick around.

This is a significant departure from older versions of the game, where feeding an ocelot would transform it into a regular house cat. That mechanic is long gone. Now, you befriend them, but they maintain their wild nature. Think of it less like taming a dog and more like developing a rapport with a friendly neighborhood stray. They won’t sit on command, and they won’t follow you everywhere, but they’ll hang out and keep those pesky Creepers at bay.

Understanding Ocelot Behavior

The key to befriending an ocelot lies in understanding its behavior. Unlike cats, which can be found in villages and readily tamed, ocelots are jungle dwellers and possess a naturally cautious disposition. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

• Location is key: Ocelots spawn exclusively in jungle biomes, so that’s where your search begins. Look for them on grass and leaf blocks. If you’re struggling to find them, try clearing out other animals in the area to free up mob spawn slots. Minecraft has a mob cap that can prevent new mobs from spawning if it’s reached.
• Stealth is essential: Approaching an ocelot requires a delicate touch. Unlike taming a wolf, where you can simply walk up and offer a bone, ocelots are easily spooked. Sneak up on them by pressing the crouch/sneak button (usually Left Shift). Move slowly and deliberately.
• The right offering: Raw cod and raw salmon are the only acceptable treats for an ocelot. Make sure you have plenty on hand.
• Patience is a virtue: Each raw fish you feed an ocelot has about a 33.3% chance of gaining its trust. Keep feeding it until you see hearts appear above its head. This indicates that you’ve successfully earned its trust.
• Limited Obedience: Even after gaining an ocelot’s trust, it will not follow you everywhere or obey commands like a tamed cat or dog. They will wander around. Holding raw fish will prompt them to follow you.

Ocelots vs. Cats: Key Differences

It’s crucial to distinguish between ocelots and cats in modern Minecraft. They are two separate mobs with distinct behaviors:

• Taming vs. Trust: Cats can be tamed by feeding them raw fish, transforming them into a pet that follows you, sits on command, and sleeps on your bed. Ocelots can only have their trust earned, which prevents them from running away and makes them stay in the general vicinity.
• Appearance: Ocelots have a unique spotted coat, while tamed cats come in a variety of breeds and colors.
• Behavior: Tamed cats will sit when told, follow the player, and offer gifts (sometimes unpleasant ones!). Ocelots retain their wild behavior, roaming around independently.
• Spawning: Cats are found in villages, particularly in witch huts, and can be spawned using spawn eggs. Ocelots are exclusive to jungles.
• Creeper Deterrent: Both ocelots and cats scare away Creepers.

Managing Expectations

Many players are disappointed when they can’t “tame” an ocelot in the traditional sense. It’s important to adjust your expectations. Ocelots aren’t pets; they’re more like temporary companions. They offer benefits like Creeper deterrence, but they won’t be as obedient or reliable as a tamed cat.

Think of it as building a relationship with a wild animal. You provide food and a safe environment, and in return, they provide a unique presence and a bit of protection.

Why This Change?

The change in ocelot behavior was implemented to better reflect their wild nature and to differentiate them more clearly from domestic cats. It adds a layer of realism to the game and encourages players to appreciate ocelots for their unique qualities. It can also be interpreted as a form of game-based learning, offering insights into the nuances of animal behavior and ecological relationships. Check out the work being done at Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about the educational impacts of gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why won’t my ocelot turn into a cat?

Because that feature has been removed from the game. In newer versions of Minecraft, feeding an ocelot will only gain its trust, not transform it into a domestic cat. If you want a cat, look for stray cats in villages.

2. How do I get an ocelot to follow me?

Hold raw cod or raw salmon in your hand. The ocelot will follow you as long as you have the fish equipped. Be aware that they may still wander off once you put the fish away.

3. Can I breed ocelots in Minecraft?

Yes, you can breed ocelots. You’ll need to sneak up on two adult ocelots and feed each of them raw cod or raw salmon. After they’ve been fed, they will breed and produce a baby ocelot.

4. What’s the best way to find ocelots?

Search in jungle biomes, specifically on grass and leaf blocks. Clearing out other animals can help increase the chances of ocelots spawning. Remember to bring plenty of raw fish!

5. Are ocelots good pets in Minecraft?

Not in the traditional sense. They won’t sit on command or follow you everywhere. However, they do deter Creepers, which can be very useful. They’re more like helpful wild animals that you’ve befriended.

6. What do ocelots eat in Minecraft?

Ocelots only eat raw cod and raw salmon in Minecraft.

7. Do ocelots despawn in Minecraft?

Yes, untamed ocelots can despawn. However, once you’ve gained their trust, they shouldn’t despawn unless the chunk they are in is unloaded for an extended period.

8. How do I stop ocelots from running away?

Earn their trust by feeding them raw fish. Once they trust you, they will be less likely to run away, though they will still wander around.

9. Can I put a lead on an ocelot?

No, you cannot put a lead on an ocelot.

10. Why are creepers scared of ocelots?

Creepers are naturally coded to avoid ocelots and cats. This is a built-in game mechanic.

11. Can I change the color of an ocelot?

No, you cannot change the color of an ocelot in the base game. They only have one skin.

12. What happens if I hit an ocelot?

If you hit an ocelot, it will likely run away, and you will lose any trust you may have gained. It’s best to avoid hitting them altogether.

13. Do ocelots attack other mobs?

No, ocelots do not attack other mobs in Minecraft. Their primary function is to scare away Creepers.

14. Are ocelots rare in Minecraft?

Ocelots are relatively rare, as they only spawn in jungle biomes, which can be difficult to find.

15. What is the difference between an Ocelot and an Ocicat in real life?

An ocelot is a wild cat species found in Central and South America, known for their beautiful spotted coats. An Ocicat is a domestic cat breed, that was bred to resemble an ocelot. It has a spotted coat pattern, but is completely domestic and has no wild cat DNA.

Conclusion

While you can’t exactly tame an ocelot in the traditional sense of making it a permanent pet, befriending them by gaining their trust is still a worthwhile endeavor. They offer a unique presence in your Minecraft world and help keep those pesky Creepers at bay. So, grab some raw fish, venture into the jungle, and start building a rewarding relationship with these fascinating creatures.