Cats in Minecraft: A Detailed Guide to Taming, Benefits, and Behavior

Cats in Minecraft are much more than adorable companions; they offer unique advantages for players seeking both utility and charm. Unlike wolves, taming cats requires patience and specific techniques, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Cats not only protect players from certain mobs but also provide useful items. In this guide, we will cover where to find cats, how to tame them, and the benefits they bring to your Minecraft world.

Where to Find Cats

Stray cats naturally spawn in two primary locations: villages and swamp huts.

1. Villages: Villages are the most reliable location to find a variety of stray cats. Any village with at least four occupied beds will respawn cats over time. Villages offer more variety, as cats can spawn in different colors and patterns, making them the best place to search for new feline companions.
2. Swamp Huts: Swamp huts only spawn black cats, and the chances of finding a variety of cats here are slim. Black cats, however, are guaranteed to spawn with swamp huts, so if you're after this particular color, it's the spot to check.

Types of Cats in Minecraft 1.21

Minecraft offers 11 different types of tamed cats, each with unique appearances that players can find in villages or swamp huts. Here's a breakdown of each cat type:

Black:
A solid black cat, often found in swamp huts.
 

White: 
A pure white cat, sleek and elegant.

Tabby: 
Orange with darker stripes, resembling a classic domestic tabby.
 

Tuxedo: Black with a white belly and paws, resembling formal attire.

Siamese: Creamy white with darker brown accents.

Calico: White, orange, and black patches, a colorful breed.
 

Persian: Long-furred and fluffy, pale yellow.
 

Ragdoll: Creamy fur with light blue eyes and brown accents.
 

British Shorthair: Light grey with a plush appearance.
 

Jellie: Based on a real-life fan's cat, a grey and white mix.

Red (Ginger): Bright orange, like a classic ginger cat.

Each of these cats has the same behavior and mechanics but adds variety to your Minecraft world with their unique looks.

How to Tame a Cat

Taming a cat in Minecraft isn't as simple as taming a wolf, but with the right approach, it's achievable.

1. Find a Stray Cat: Head to a village or swamp hut to locate a stray cat.
2. Hold Fish (Raw Cod or Raw Salmon): Cats are attracted to raw cod or raw salmon. Equip the fish and approach the cat slowly.
3. Crouch and Wait: Cats are skittish and will run if you approach too quickly. Crouch (sneak) and wait for the cat to come to you.
4. Feed the Cat: When the cat comes close enough, feed it by right-clicking with the fish. It may take a few tries, but once the cat has eaten enough fish, hearts will appear, and it will be tamed.

Tamed cats will follow you or sit on command, making them a loyal companion.

Benefits of Tamed Cats

Taming cats isn't just for fun; they offer several useful benefits that can improve your Minecraft experience.

1. Scaring Creepers and Phantoms: One of the most important features of tamed cats is their ability to scare off creepers and phantoms. Creepers will not approach within a certain radius of cats, making them useful for base defense. Phantoms, which attack players who haven't slept for several nights, are also repelled by cats.
    
2. Sleeping with a Cat Nearby: If you sleep in a bed with a cat nearby, there is a chance that the cat will bring you a gift when you wake up. These gifts include useful items such as:
   1. Rabbit's Foot
   2. Rabbit Hide
   3. String
   4. Rotten Flesh
   5. Feather
   6. Raw Chicken
   7. Phantom Membrane
       
3. While the items may seem small, they can be incredibly handy, especially for early-game resource gathering or crafting specific potions.
4. Decoration and Companionship: Cats are available in a variety of different colors and patterns, including black, tabby, calico, and more. This allows players to personalize their homes with pets that match their style. Tamed cats will follow you or can be made to sit in specific places, adding a decorative and lively touch to your base.

Behavior and Additional Details

Tamed cats are generally easy to care for, but their behaviors make them a bit more complex than some other mobs.

Wandering and Teleporting: Like wolves, tamed cats will follow players and teleport to them if the player moves far enough away. This makes it easy to keep them with you when exploring.

Sitting on Chests and Beds: Cats love sitting on chests, beds, and furnaces. While cute, this can sometimes be inconvenient, as they can block access to items. Right-clicking the cat will make it move.