Woah, thanks for the guide!! I'll look into upgrading my pickaxe next.
For the greater cattern, the chest did immediately unlock. I left the area, then came back the next day, and there was my tamed cattern plus an egg. I picked up the egg and couldn't unlock the chest. I moved the nest and next day I was able to open it again.
Really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the game, keep up the good work!