Befriending the Elusive Ocelot: A Guide to Gaining Their Trust
So, you’ve set your sights on earning the trust of an ocelot in Minecraft? It’s a worthy goal! While you can’t technically “tame” an ocelot in the same way you tame a wolf or a cat, you can befriend them. The key to gaining an ocelot’s trust is simple: patiently offer it raw cod or raw salmon until heart particles appear above its head. This signifies that the ocelot no longer sees you as a threat and will stick around. Think of it less as taming and more as forming a mutually beneficial alliance. Ocelots are useful mobs to have around, and they are known to keep other hostile mobs away.
Understanding the Ocelot: More Than Just a Feline
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s understand these elusive creatures better. Ocelots are neutral mobs that spawn in jungle biomes. They’re naturally skittish, and any sudden movement will send them darting away. This is why patience is paramount. They are also unique because they influence the behavior of creepers. Creepers are terrified of ocelots and will actively flee from them.
The Art of the Approach: Patience is Key
Preparing for the Encounter
First things first, you’ll need the right tools for the job. Gather a stack of raw cod or raw salmon. You can obtain these by fishing in any body of water. Remember, cooked fish won’t work. It has to be raw to entice the ocelot.
The Sneaking Technique
Once you’ve located an ocelot, the real challenge begins. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the approach:
- Approach slowly: Avoid sprinting or making any sudden movements. Ocelots are easily spooked, and a quick dash will send them running.
- Hold the fish: Equip the raw fish in your hand. This is the bait that will draw the ocelot closer.
- Maintain distance: Don’t get too close initially. Allow the ocelot to approach you. Moving too quickly can scare it away.
- Wait for the pounce: If you’re patient, the ocelot will eventually approach you cautiously. This is your cue to offer the fish. Right-click on the ocelot while holding the fish.
- Repeat as needed: It may take multiple offerings of fish before the ocelot trusts you. Keep feeding it raw fish until red heart particles appear above its head.
The Heart Signal: Success!
When you see the red heart particles, congratulations! You’ve successfully gained the ocelot’s trust. The ocelot will now stick around you and will no longer flee when you approach.
Ocelots as Allies: Benefits Beyond Companionship
Once befriended, ocelots can be quite useful. They are well-known for scaring away Creepers. This can be a significant advantage when exploring or building in areas prone to Creeper ambushes.
Living with an Ocelot: What to Expect
Wandering Behavior
Keep in mind that befriended ocelots don’t behave exactly like tamed cats. They tend to wander around and won’t always stay by your side. To encourage them to stay closer, continue holding raw fish in your hand.
No Sitting or Following Commands
Unlike cats, ocelots cannot be instructed to sit or follow you directly. Their behavior is more autonomous, making them feel like wild companions rather than obedient pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you tame an ocelot in Minecraft?
While the term “tame” is often used, it’s more accurate to say you gain the trust of an ocelot. You can’t make it a pet in the same way you tame a wolf or cat.
2. What do ocelots eat?
Ocelots are enticed by raw cod and raw salmon. These are the only foods that will earn their trust.
3. Why won’t my ocelot follow me?
Ocelots won’t constantly follow you like tamed wolves or cats. They have a tendency to wander. Holding raw fish can encourage them to stay closer.
4. Do ocelots scare creepers?
Yes! Creepers are naturally afraid of ocelots and will actively avoid them. This makes ocelots valuable allies in dangerous areas.
5. Can ocelots be bred in Minecraft?
Yes, ocelots can be bred. You’ll need to feed two ocelots raw cod or raw salmon to initiate breeding. Make sure you do so within a secure enclosure.
6. Why are ocelots so rare in Minecraft?
Ocelots only spawn in jungle biomes, and even then, their spawn rate isn’t particularly high. There is also a one in three chance that an attempt to spawn one will fail, and they do not spawn at all in bamboo jungles or sparse jungles. This makes them relatively rare compared to other mobs.
7. Will tamed ocelots teleport to you?
Befriended Ocelots will teleport to you if you move too far away.
8. Do cats scare creepers, too?
Yes, Creepers are terrified of cats too.
9. What happens when you befriend an ocelot?
After befriending an Ocelot, they will stick around you and will no longer flee. Some mobs will run away from ocelots, so having one by your side can help you navigate areas with many Creepers.
10. Can you tame a fox in Minecraft?
You can not directly tame naturally spawned Foxes, but if you breed 2 wild Foxes, the offspring will be tame. Give each parent sweet berries to encourage them to breed.
11. How hard is it to tame an ocelot?
Gaining the trust of an ocelot requires patience and a stealthy approach. The difficulty lies in approaching the ocelot without spooking it.
12. What happens if an Ocelot trusts you?
Ocelots are a useful mob to have around, and they are known to keep other hostile mobs away. Ocelots can’t be tamed, but after feeding them, you’ll earn their trust and they’ll stick around you.
13. Why can’t I tame an ocelot?
You must have raw fish in order to befriend an ocelot. Put it on your hand, then wait until he comes near you and, finally, give him the fish.
14. Can an ocelot purr?
Cougars and smaller cats (bobcats, ocelots, lynxes, and house cats, among others) can purr, but they can’t roar. Purring is possible because of tightly connected links of delicate bones that run from the back of a small cat’s tongue up to the base of the skull.
15. Can you tame a polar bear in Minecraft?
Polar bears can only be befriended by feeding them a selection of fish.
Beyond Minecraft: Exploring Game-Based Learning
Interested in learning more about the educational power of games? Explore the Games Learning Society website. It is a great place for information about how video games and education intersect.
This article provides information on the principles of interacting with digital creatures and the benefits of learning through virtual experiences. For more research on these topics, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.