Cat is a passive mob found in villages and swamp huts. It can be tamed using raw cod or raw salmon and serves as a natural deterrent to creepers and phantoms, making it a useful companion for players. Cats drop 0–2 string upon death, which can be increased with the Looting enchantment.

Cats can be bred by feeding two tamed cats raw cod or raw salmon, putting them into love mode. This results in the birth of a kitten, which will have the same fur pattern as one of its parents. Baby cats take 20 minutes to grow into adults, but their growth can be accelerated by feeding them more raw fish. Tamed cats occasionally bring gifts to players who sleep in a bed at night. In the morning, the Cat may leave an item such as rabbit's foot, rabbit hide, string, rotten flesh, feathers, raw chicken, or phantom membranes near the player.

Cats spawn naturally in villages, with up to 10 cats per village, and one black Cat always spawns in a swamp hut. Untamed cats are skittish and will run away from players, making taming a slow and careful process. Once tamed, a Cat follows the player unless told to sit. Creepers avoid cats, staying 6 blocks away, even if they are tamed or sitting. In Bedrock Edition, phantoms also avoid cats, keeping 16 blocks away, making them a strong defense against aerial attacks.