Can You Tame Cats With Tropical Fish in Minecraft? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, you cannot tame cats with tropical fish in the current versions of Minecraft (Java and Bedrock). While older versions, particularly the Legacy Console Edition, had different mechanics, the modern game requires raw cod or raw salmon to win over those feline hearts. Forget about the colorful tropical fish for taming; save those for decoration or a quick (and not very satisfying) snack!
Taming Cats in Modern Minecraft: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the details are relatively simple, here’s exactly how to tame a cat in Minecraft:
-
Find Stray Cats: Look for stray cats in villages or near witch huts. These are the only cats that can be tamed. They don’t spawn naturally elsewhere.
-
Gather Raw Fish: You will need either raw cod or raw salmon. Both are commonly found in most ocean biomes. Grab a fishing rod and cast a line!
-
Approach Slowly: Equip the raw fish in your hand and slowly approach the cat. Avoid sudden movements, as cats are easily spooked. Crouch-walking helps!
-
Feed the Fish: Right-click on the cat while holding the raw fish. The cat will come closer. Keep feeding it fish until hearts appear above its head. This indicates the cat is tamed.
-
Enjoy Your New Companion: Once tamed, the cat will follow you around, protect you from phantoms (during sleep), and occasionally gift you with items.
Ocelots and Cats: A Crucial Distinction
It’s important to distinguish between ocelots and cats. In earlier versions of Minecraft, ocelots could be “tamed” and turned into cats. However, this is no longer the case. Now, ocelots can only be befriended by feeding them raw fish. Befriending an ocelot will make it stick around, but it won’t transform into a house cat. Taming a cat now requires finding a stray cat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cats and Fish in Minecraft
Q1: What’s the difference between taming a cat and befriending an ocelot?
Taming a cat makes it your permanent companion. The cat will follow you, sleep with you, and generally be your pet. You also change the cats skin to one of the many cat skins available. Befriending an ocelot simply means it will follow you and is less likely to run away. However, it remains an ocelot and won’t behave like a tamed cat. Ocelots also scare away chickens, which can be useful or annoying!
Q2: Can I breed tamed cats?
Yes! Once you have two tamed cats, feed each of them raw fish until hearts appear. They will then breed and produce a kitten.
Q3: How do I make baby cats grow up faster?
You can speed up the growth of baby cats by feeding them raw fish. Each feeding reduces the remaining growth time by 10%.
Q4: Do cats serve any purpose besides being cute?
Absolutely! Cats scare away Creepers and Phantoms, which can be very helpful. They also occasionally bring you gifts, such as feathers, rabbit’s feet, or phantom membranes.
Q5: What happens if I try to feed a tropical fish to a cat?
The cat will simply refuse to eat it. You won’t get the angry particles, but it won’t count towards taming either. Stick to raw cod or raw salmon.
Q6: Are there different breeds of cats in Minecraft?
Yes, there are several different cat breeds, including Siamese, Tabby, Tuxedo, Calico, Persian, and more. The breed of a tamed cat is determined randomly.
Q7: Can I dye a cat’s collar?
Yes! Once a cat is tamed, you can right-click it with a dye to change the color of its collar.
Q8: Can I untame a cat?
No, once a cat is tamed, it remains tamed permanently. There is no way to “untame” it.
Q9: Do cats attack other mobs?
No, cats don’t actively attack other mobs, except for scaring away Creepers and Phantoms.
Q10: Where is the best place to find cats in Minecraft?
Villages are the most reliable places to find stray cats. They often spawn near villagers’ houses. Witch huts are another, less common, location.
Q11: Why is my ocelot not turning into a cat?
As previously mentioned, ocelots no longer turn into cats in modern versions of Minecraft. You can only befriend them, not tame them into cats.
Q12: Can Axolotls live with tropical fish in Minecraft?
In Minecraft, this isn’t a concern, as the mechanics don’t require realistic aquarium conditions. However, in the real world, Axolotls require cooler water temperatures than tropical fish, so they cannot cohabitate safely.
Q13: What’s the rarest tropical fish pattern in Minecraft?
While all tropical fish are fun to collect, finding a specific pattern and color combination can be a challenge. Some patterns are rarer than others, making them sought-after by collectors. According to some players, the “Nemo” or tomato clownfish pattern is relatively rare.
Q14: What other animals can I tame in Minecraft?
Besides cats, you can tame dogs (wolves), horses, donkeys, llamas, parrots, and foxes. Each animal has its own taming method and unique benefits.
Q15: Are there any educational aspects to Minecraft animal taming?
Yes, absolutely! Understanding animal behaviors, resource management (gathering food), and even basic genetics (breeding) are all implicit learning experiences in Minecraft. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) studies how games like Minecraft can be used to promote learning and engagement in various subjects.
Conclusion: Fishy Business and Feline Friends
While you can’t use tropical fish to tame cats, the mechanics are still simple enough that any player can figure it out quickly. Remember, raw cod or salmon is your best bet for befriending these furry companions.
For more insights into how games can foster learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.