How Many Fish Does It Take to Tame an Ocelot in Minecraft?
The question of how many fish it takes to tame an ocelot in Minecraft is a common one, and the answer, while seemingly simple, involves a bit more nuance than a straightforward number. While you might think there’s a magic number of fish to instantly befriend these elusive creatures, the reality in the game is slightly more involved. You can’t actually tame ocelots in the traditional sense anymore to turn them into cats, but rather, you must gain their trust. Let’s delve into the mechanics, and clear up this common confusion.
Understanding Trust, Not Taming
First, it’s important to understand that in versions of Minecraft after 1.14 (Java Edition) and 1.8 (Bedrock Edition), ocelots cannot be turned into domestic cats. Prior to these updates, feeding an ocelot raw fish would transform it into a cat with different coat variations (Siamese, Orange tabby, or Tuxedo). However, that functionality is no longer present. Instead, feeding an ocelot raw cod or raw salmon will gain its trust. Once an ocelot trusts you, it will no longer run away from you, and it will stick around you. This has been the mechanic in place since the updates and is what players need to understand.
Therefore, rather than asking “How many fish does it take to tame an ocelot?” it’s more accurate to ask, “How many fish does it take to gain an ocelot’s trust?”. The answer here isn’t a specific number. It varies. Some ocelots may take just one or two fish, while others may require you to offer them several fish before they display the heart particles, signifying they trust you. There is no fixed amount. This randomness is part of the charm of interacting with these creatures in Minecraft.
Factors Affecting Trust Building
While there’s no set amount of fish to give, there are some crucial factors that impact the process:
- Proximity: You need to be within a specific range of the ocelot to offer it fish. This range is generally 6-10 blocks away. If you are too close or too far, the ocelot may not enter taming mode, or it may flee.
- Movement: Ocelots are skittish. Quick movements or sudden turns will cause an ocelot to exit taming mode, indicated by grey or gray particles. You need to approach them slowly and cautiously. They will also exit taming mode if you do not offer food for a short time.
- Patience: You must be patient when interacting with an ocelot. Rushing the process may result in them running away, and you will need to try again to gain their trust.
- Food Type: Ocelots will only accept raw cod or raw salmon. Other types of fish or food items will not work.
The Sign of Trust
The sign that an ocelot trusts you is the appearance of red heart particles above its head. These hearts indicate that you have successfully earned the ocelot’s trust. The ocelot will no longer flee when you come near it after this point. It might even stick around you, but it’s worth noting it will still wander around, even after gaining their trust. To have them stay near, you will have to hold raw cod or salmon in your hand as bait.
Essential Tips For Success
To maximize your chances of earning an ocelot’s trust, here’s a quick checklist:
- Gather Resources: Ensure you have at least 20 raw cod or salmon. While you may not need all of it, it’s best to have a surplus, as you may have to restart the process if you are too close or quick.
- Approach Slowly: Sneak towards the ocelot at a distance of 6 to 10 blocks.
- Hold Your Ground: Stand still while holding the raw fish. Avoid making sudden movements.
- Right-Click: Right-click on the ocelot with the raw fish to offer it. Continue offering until you see hearts appear.
- Be Patient: If the ocelot flees, wait a moment, and try again. Do not give up easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding ocelots in Minecraft, designed to further clarify common doubts:
1. Can you still turn an ocelot into a cat in Minecraft?
No, in versions of Minecraft after 1.14 (Java Edition) and 1.8 (Bedrock Edition), feeding an ocelot no longer turns it into a pet cat. Instead, you gain its trust.
2. What do I need to feed an ocelot to gain its trust?
You can only use raw cod or raw salmon to gain an ocelot’s trust.
3. How close do I need to be to an ocelot to offer it fish?
You need to be within a range of 6-10 blocks from the ocelot to successfully offer fish.
4. Why does my ocelot keep running away when I try to feed it?
Ocelots are very skittish. Quick movements, turning quickly, or getting too close can cause them to run away. Be sure to approach slowly and stand still while offering them fish.
5. What are the gray particles when trying to tame an ocelot?
Gray particles around an ocelot indicate that it has exited the “taming” mode. This happens if you move too fast, turn quickly, or wait too long without offering food.
6. Is there a specific number of fish that will guarantee an ocelot will trust you?
No, there is no fixed number of fish. Some ocelots may gain trust with one or two fish, while others may require more. The key is patience and to keep offering until you see red heart particles.
7. How do I know if an ocelot has gained my trust?
An ocelot that trusts you will have red heart particles appear above its head. It will also no longer run away from you.
8. Will a tamed ocelot follow me like other tamed pets?
Ocelots will not follow you constantly like tamed wolves or cats. They tend to wander but will stay within the general vicinity. You can have them stay close by holding raw cod or salmon in your hand.
9. Do ocelots scare Creepers?
Yes, Creepers are afraid of ocelots (and cats) and will actively try to avoid them.
10. Can ocelots be bred in Minecraft?
Yes, ocelots can be bred by feeding two of them raw cod or raw salmon. They must be near each other to breed.
11. What happens if I offer cooked fish to an ocelot?
Ocelots will not accept cooked fish. They will only take raw cod or raw salmon.
12. Can ocelots protect me from other hostile mobs besides creepers?
While ocelots are effective at keeping Creepers away, they do not directly engage with or protect you from other hostile mobs like zombies or skeletons.
13. Can you tame a cat like how you could an ocelot before the update?
No, you cannot tame ocelots and have them turn into a cat like in earlier versions of Minecraft. You can, however, tame stray cats found in villages using raw cod or salmon.
14. Are ocelots rare?
Ocelots are not considered exceptionally rare, but you’ll only find them in jungle biomes.
15. Why won’t an ocelot follow me even after I’ve gained its trust?
Ocelots will not follow you closely unless you keep holding raw fish in your hand to “bribe” them. They are not like domesticated cats or wolves in that sense.
In conclusion, there isn’t a magic number of fish to tame ocelot. It’s about patience, timing, and understanding the mechanics. The key is to offer raw cod or salmon until you see those hearts appear. Enjoy your time with these wild, but now trusting, jungle creatures!