You can tame eight different types of animals in Minecraft, turning them into loyal companions, mounts, or helpers in your adventures.
Understanding Taming in Minecraft
Taming in Minecraft is a unique mechanic that allows players to form bonds with certain wild creatures. Once tamed, these mobs exhibit various behaviors, from following you and defending against hostile mobs to acting as rideable transportation or even helping you carry items. Taming typically involves feeding a specific item to the creature multiple times until hearts appear, signifying success.The Eight Tameable Animals in Minecraft
The following table outlines the eight animals you can tame in Minecraft, along with the primary item required for taming and their general utility:| Animal | Taming Item(s) | Utility/Behavior When Tamed |
|---|---|---|
| Wolf | Bones | Follows player, attacks hostile mobs/mobs player attacks, can sit. |
| Cat | Raw Cod, Raw Salmon | Follows player, attacks phantoms, scares creepers away, brings gifts. |
| Horse | Empty Hand (mount repeatedly), Apples, Golden Carrots, Golden Apples, Hay Bales | Rideable mount, can be equipped with saddle and armor. |
| Donkey | Empty Hand (mount repeatedly), Apples, Golden Carrots, Golden Apples, Hay Bales | Rideable mount, can be equipped with a chest for storage. |
| Mule | Empty Hand (mount repeatedly), Apples, Golden Carrots, Golden Apples, Hay Bales | Rideable mount, can be equipped with a chest for storage (bred from horse & donkey). |
| Parrot | Seeds (Wheat Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Melon Seeds, Beetroot Seeds) | Sits on player's shoulder, mimics sounds of nearby hostile mobs. |
| Llama | Empty Hand (mount repeatedly), Hay Bales, Wheat | Rideable (but doesn't respond to player input), can be equipped with a chest and carpet, forms caravans. |
| Fox | Sweet Berries (must be a baby bred by the player) | Loyal to player, attacks hostile mobs, can pick up items. |
Here’s a closer look at each:
- Wolf: A loyal protector, the Wolf is tamed by feeding it bones. Once tamed, it will follow you, attack any mob that attacks you, and will also attack any mob you hit. You can command it to sit down to keep it in place.
- Cat: Tamed by offering raw cod or raw salmon to a stray cat, Cats are more than just pets. They will follow you, keep Phantoms away while you sleep, and scare Creepers. Sometimes, a tamed cat might even bring you a gift in the morning!
- Horse: To tame a Horse, you must repeatedly try to mount it until hearts appear. Feeding it certain items like apples or golden carrots can speed up the process. Once tamed, you can equip it with a saddle and horse armor, making it a fast and reliable form of transportation.
- Donkey: Similar to horses, Donkeys are tamed by repeatedly mounting them. Their unique advantage is the ability to equip a chest on their back, allowing them to carry extra items for you, making them excellent pack animals.
- Mule: A Mule cannot be found in the wild; it is bred by combining a horse and a donkey. Once born, it can be tamed just like its parents. Mules inherit the donkey's ability to carry chests, making them another valuable storage companion.
- Parrot: These colorful birds are tamed by feeding them any type of seeds (wheat, pumpkin, melon, or beetroot seeds). A tamed Parrot can sit on your shoulder and will mimic the sounds of nearby hostile mobs, potentially warning you of dangers lurking in the shadows.
- Llama: Llamas are tamed by repeatedly attempting to mount them. While you can't directly control their movement with a saddle like horses, you can equip them with a chest for storage and a carpet for decoration. They are also known for forming caravans, following a leading llama.
- Fox: Taming a Fox is unique. You need to find two wild foxes, breed them using sweet berries, and then wait for the baby fox to be born. The baby fox will be loyal to you and will not run away. Tamed foxes can pick up items off the ground and will attack hostile mobs that threaten you.
