When Ovya Barani bought a walking pad for her remote work setup, she never expected her cat, Oliver, to become her workout partner. Now, their daily treadmill routine has taken TikTok by storm, captivating millions with the feline’s surprising athleticism—and his signature sweater-clad strut.
An Unexpected Workout Buddy
Barani adopted Oliver in October 2023 after an unplanned visit to her local humane society. “He was very vocal and easygoing, even as a kitten,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. Now two years old (and a Leo, which Barani jokes explains his confident treadmill presence), Oliver began mimicking her workouts one day by cautiously placing his paws on the moving track.
What started as curiosity soon became a ritual. “Now, he sits on the walking pad every morning, waiting for me to turn it on while I make my coffee,” Barani says. The pair walk side by side—Barani on the left, Oliver on the right—with the cat now able to sprint at 3.8 mph in short bursts.
From Routine to Viral Sensation
Barani began sharing clips of Oliver’s treadmill sessions on TikTok in March, where videos of his “diva walks”—sometimes in a stylish sweater—have racked up millions of views. Commenters praise his dedication, though a few critics questioned the sweater.
“I didn’t know dressing a cat could be controversial,” Barani laughs. “But most responses have been supportive. It’s wild how social media sparks conversations.”
Oliver’s routine is no joke: He sprints for 30 seconds, rests, and repeats for 5–10 minutes daily. “He doesn’t take days off,” Barani says. “I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life trying to keep up!”
Safety First
Barani ensures Oliver’s workouts stay safe. He runs focused, staring at the wall—but if a bird catches his eye, he’s off the treadmill instantly. “It’s a big machine for a cat,” she says. “I don’t want him getting hurt.”
For Barani, sharing Oliver’s antics has been a joyful first step into content creation. “It’s been so fun to see people love him as much as I do,” she says.
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