Ovya Barani’s cat, Oliver, has become a viral sensation, thanks to his unique daily workout routine. What began as a simple activity between Barani and her pet has turned into a viral phenomenon, captivating millions on social media.
Barani, who works remotely, was using her walking pad one day when she noticed her cat, Oliver, joining her on the track. What started as casual curiosity has evolved into a regular workout routine, transforming their days.
Adopted just a week before Halloween in 2023, Oliver wasn’t initially planned for, but Barani says she couldn’t resist when she visited the local humane society. “He was very vocal, easygoing, even as a little kitten,” Barani told PEOPLE exclusively. Now 2 years old, Oliver will turn 3 this August, and as Barani points out, his astrological sign is Leo—fitting for his confident, sweater-clad treadmill struts.
Barani explained that she had bought the walking pad to stay active while working from home. “One day, he started walking up behind me, putting his two paws on the walking pad and seeing if he could walk on it,” she shared. This curious behavior sparked their new routine.
The pair now have a daily walking schedule. Barani walks on the left side of the walking pad, while Oliver joins her on the right. Over time, Barani gradually increased the speed, and now Oliver can run up to 3.8 mph, although not for long. “Now he runs while I make my coffee,” she says with a laugh.
Oliver’s treadmill workouts have captured the attention of Barani’s TikTok followers, where she regularly posts videos of the cat’s unique fitness routine. Some of the clips, where Oliver sports stylish sweaters, have garnered up to 4 million views. Fans of the adorable cat admire his “diva” attitude and applaud his impressive stamina.
“He goes on and off. He sprints for 30 seconds, takes a minute break, and then repeats for about five to 10 minutes,” Barani explains. Oliver’s dedication is so intense that Barani says he never takes a day off. “Every single morning, he’ll want to get on,” she adds.
Barani has also noticed some benefits of the routine. “I’ve gotten in the best shape of my life since he started doing this,” she says. “I can’t be outrun by a cat!”
While Barani is delighted by her pet’s enthusiasm, she takes care to ensure he’s safe. She keeps a close eye on Oliver, knowing the treadmill is a large piece of machinery for a small cat. “I don’t want to risk him getting injured,” she says.
Barani’s TikTok journey started in March, and she has been met with mostly positive comments. Some viewers, however, have raised concerns about Oliver’s sweater. “I didn’t know that putting a sweater on a cat could be that controversial,” Barani admits, reflecting on the reactions. Despite the few negative comments, she has received overwhelming support from her followers.
In a world where social media often sparks debates, Barani’s lighthearted videos of Oliver on his treadmill continue to bring joy to viewers—and a new appreciation for a cat who’s truly living his best life.
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