How to Tame a Cat in Minecraft: FAQs, Commands & Breeding Tips

Taming pets is a beloved feature in Minecraft, but few companions are as charming—or as useful—as cats. These independent little animals not only add personality to your home but also help defend it by keeping creepers at bay, but it is not that simple to know how to tame a cat in Minecraft.

How to tame a cat in Minecraft is a question every player asks at some point, especially when aiming for full survival mode immersion. Fortunately, the process is easy once you understand how cats behave and what items you need.

Before discovering how to tame a cat in Minecraft, don’t forget that a smooth gameplay experience matters too. If lag or instability is affecting your sessions, check out our guide on how to fix lag in Minecraft and keep your connection solid while taming your new feline friends.

Where can you find cats in Minecraft?

How to tame a cat in Minecraft: complete taming guide

Cats don’t spawn randomly. To find them, players must visit specific locations and understand their natural behavior.

Villages and swamp huts

Stray cats appear frequently in villages.
You’ll often spot them near beds or iron golems.
The number of cats depends on the amount of beds available in that village.

Swamp huts are also home to a special black cat. This feline spawns alongside the resident witch and can be tamed like any other.

How cats behave before taming

Stray cats flee when approached too quickly.
Avoid sprinting or making sudden movements.
Crouching reduces your threat level and increases success rates.

Cats are drawn to raw fish, so equipping raw cod or salmon helps lure them into taming range.

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How to tame a cat in Minecraft: step-by-step

Taming is simple, but timing and technique matter. Here’s how to tame a cat in Minecraft effectively.

Gather the materials

Raw cod or raw salmon (5 to 7 is a safe estimate).
Fish must be uncooked to work for taming.
Use a fishing rod in rivers, oceans, or ponds to stock up.

Approach and feed the cat

Equip your raw fish.
Crouch and slowly approach the stray cat.
Wait for the cat to come closer on its own.
Right-click or tap to feed the fish when in range.
Repeat until hearts appear—this means the cat is tamed.

How many fish to tame a cat in Minecraft? It depends, but most cats can be tamed with 3 to 5 raw fish. Some might take a bit more, especially if you’re unlucky with taming RNG.

Expert tips for better results

Fence off a village area to keep cats from fleeing.
Use a lead to gently bring cats to a quiet spot.
Don’t move or switch items mid-tame—it can reset progress.

How does cat taming differ in Minecraft Bedrock, Java, and Creative Mode?

Understanding how to tame a cat in Minecraft depends on the game version you’re playing. While the general method remains the same—approach slowly, feed raw fish, and wait for hearts—there are subtle differences between Bedrock, Java, and Creative Mode that can impact the process, which you can check on the official website.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition: easier and more forgiving

In Minecraft Bedrock, learning how to tame a cat in Minecraft feels more intuitive. Cats in this version respond more predictably and tend to approach players more quickly.

Fish hitboxes are wider, making it easier to feed them.
Cats pathfind with fewer glitches.
The taming rate often feels faster compared to Java.

Bedrock players who want a smoother taming experience will find this version ideal. How to tame a cat in Minecraft Bedrock? Just walk up slowly with raw cod or salmon, feed patiently, and you’re good to go.

Minecraft Java Edition: more detail, more challenge

In Java Edition, the same taming process applies—but with more complexity in behavior and animation.

Cats in Java flee faster if startled.
RNG can require more fish before taming succeeds.
Cats display more varied behavior once tamed, like curling up in beds or sitting on chests.

If you’re wondering how to tame a cat in Minecraft for full immersion, Java gives you the richest experience. But be prepared: patience and movement control are critical for success.

How to tame a cat in Minecraft in Creative Mode

Many players also ask: Can you tame a cat in Creative Mode? The answer is yes—and it’s the fastest way to collect and test every variant of cat.

Use a cat spawn egg from your Creative inventory.
Place multiple cats to try different fur patterns.
Feed raw cod or salmon like in Survival mode.

Since hunger, damage, and mobs are disabled in Creative, it’s a safe environment to master how to tame a cat in Minecraft without stress. You can even experiment with environments to test how different cats behave across biomes.

What types of cats can you tame in Minecraft?

When diving deeper into how to tame a cat in Minecraft, knowing the different types of cats available is crucial. Each tamed cat has a unique coat, and some are rarer than others. Collecting all variants is a fun challenge for dedicated players.

Before, check this: Minecraft Error Code 1: How to Fix it- Troubleshooting Guide

Full list of tameable cat types

As of the latest version, Minecraft includes 11 unique cat textures:

Tuxedo
Tabby
Siamese
Calico
Persian
Ragdoll
British Shorthair
Jellie (fan-voted)
White
Black (swamp hut)
All Black (common village spawn)

Some of these skins are biome-dependent. For example, if you’re aiming to learn how to tame a black cat in Minecraft, you’ll need to find one near a witch’s swamp hut.

Customizing your tamed cats

Once you’ve figured out how to tame a cat in Minecraft, the next step is making them your own.

Rename cats using name tags at an anvil.
Dye collars any color using common dyes.
Command cats to sit, follow, or rest near beds.

These features add a layer of personalization and help distinguish multiple pets, especially if you’re breeding them.

Why should you breed cats in Minecraft?

After you’ve mastered how to tame a cat in Minecraft, breeding them is the next logical step. It’s easy, useful, and even provides game rewards.

How to breed tamed cats

Tame two adult cats using the standard method.
Feed each one raw cod or raw salmon.
Wait a few seconds—hearts will appear, and a kitten will spawn nearby.

Breeding is a core part of how to grow your cat collection and improve your chances of getting every fur pattern available.

Advantages of cat breeding

Increases gift drops during sleep cycles.
Helps complete in-game achievements like “A Complete Catalogue.”
Kittens inherit random coat types, adding variety to your pets.

Knowing how to tame a cat in Minecraft isn’t just about one pet—it’s about building a team of companions that enhance your gameplay both mechanically and aesthetically.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About How to Tame a Cat in Minecraft

Before diving into final answers, here’s a quick reference comparing different methods of how to tame a cat in Minecraft and related mechanics:

Method	Version/Mode	Steps Required	Special Notes
Standard Taming	Survival (Java/Bedrock)	Find stray cat → Hold raw fish → Approach → Feed	Use crouch to avoid scaring the cat
Quick Taming	Creative Mode	Spawn cat → Hold raw fish → Feed	Ideal for collecting cat variants
Black Cat Taming	Swamp Hut (Any mode)	Locate witch hut → Approach cat → Feed raw fish	Only one black cat spawns per hut
Summoning a Tamed Cat	Creative (Command)	Use /summon command with player name	Cat spawns already tamed and owned
Cat Breeding	Any Mode with 2 tamed cats	Feed each a raw cod/salmon while near each other	Spawns a kitten with random texture

How many fish do you need to tame a cat in Minecraft?

On average, 3 to 7 raw cod or raw salmon are needed to tame a cat. This can vary depending on your luck with the RNG system. For those serious about taming multiple cats, carry at least 10 fish per target. Mastering how to tame a cat in Minecraft starts with being prepared.

Can you tame a cat in Creative Mode?

Yes, Creative Mode allows full taming. Simply spawn cats using cat spawn eggs, then feed them raw cod or salmon. It’s the most efficient way to test all variants while learning how to tame a cat in Minecraft in Creative Mode without any threats or interruptions.

How do you tame cats in Minecraft Bedrock Edition?

In Bedrock, the taming method is smoother than in Java:

Hold raw fish
Approach slowly (crouch recommended)
Feed until the cat shows heart particles

This method answers exactly how to tame a cat in Minecraft Bedrock, with slightly better responsiveness and faster reaction times than other versions.

What’s the difference between ocelots and cats in Minecraft?

Originally, taming ocelots would transform them into cats. But since version 1.14, ocelots and cats became separate mobs. Ocelots spawn in jungles and can be “trusted” but not turned into pets. If you want a true companion, focus on learning how to tame a cat in Minecraft, not an ocelot.

How to summon a tamed cat in Minecraft?

In Creative Mode, use the following command:
/summon minecraft:cat ~ ~ ~ {Owner:”YourUsername”}
Replace “YourUsername” with your in-game name. This instantly spawns a cat that’s already tamed—an efficient way to test how to tame and command them during builds or experiments.

Conclusion: How to Tame a Cat in Minecraft and Play Without Lag

By now, you know exactly how to tame a cat in Minecraft—whether you’re in Bedrock, Java, or Creative. From finding the perfect cat to unlocking rare coat patterns and even breeding kittens, cats offer both charm and utility to your world.

But none of that matters if lag ruins the experience.

That’s where ExitLag makes all the difference. Our real-time connection optimizer reduces ping, fixes packet loss, and keeps your Minecraft gameplay stable and smooth—especially during high-intensity moments like taming or exploring villages.

Now that you everything about how to tame a cat in minecraft, don’t let technical issues interrupt your Minecraft journey. Download ExitLag today and give your cats the seamless home they deserve.

How to tame a cat in Minecraft: complete taming guide