Most cat parents know the struggle of keeping their pets off laptops or keyboards. But one Texas cat has taken it to a new level—by stealing his mom’s treadmill.
Oliver, the Fitness Cat
In a viral TikTok clip shared by @oliver.goose, black cat Oliver is seen confidently hopping onto the treadmill after pushing his owner aside. The caption could’ve been written by Oliver himself: “My turn.”
His owner, Ovya Barani from Austin, Texas, admitted she bought the walking pad for herself—but Oliver immediately claimed it.
“Sometimes I’ll try walking, but he pushes me off,” she told SnuggleSouls. “He started by just placing his paws on it, then slowly worked up to walking, and now he even runs on it.”
Why Exercise Matters for Cats
According to the Blue Cross, cats of all ages need regular physical activity to stay healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated.
- Indoor cats require extra enrichment since they lack outdoor exploration. Without enough play, boredom can lead to scratching furniture, climbing curtains, or overgrooming.
- Outdoor cats get more natural exercise but still benefit from daily play to bond with their humans.
- Senior cats may slow down, but gentle play remains important for joint mobility and mental sharpness.
Oliver’s treadmill takeover is a perfect example of how cats find their own ways to burn energy—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
TikTok Reacts
The video struck a chord online, racking up over 3 million views and nearly 250,000 likes.
- “He is like, move out of the way, let me show you how it’s done.” — Kristyfarr8
- “The smooth slide at the end.” — Templeton1964
- “He was like, ‘My turn.’” — Nadine Muir
- “How long does he usually go for? I want to try this with my cat!” — G.eunl
Clearly, Oliver’s fitness routine has inspired plenty of laughter—and maybe even a few cats’ future workouts.
Takeaway for Cat Parents
Play and exercise don’t have to look like structured training. For some cats, it’s a treadmill; for others, it’s chasing crumpled paper balls or scaling a cat tree. What matters most is finding the activity your cat loves—and making it part of their daily routine.
FAQ
Q: Can cats really use treadmills?
Some adventurous cats like Oliver may enjoy walking on treadmills, but it should always be supervised. Start slowly, use treats for encouragement, and never force them.
Q: How much exercise does an indoor cat need daily?
Most indoor cats benefit from two to three short play sessions (10–15 minutes each) that mimic hunting behaviors, such as chasing toys or climbing.
Q: What are safe alternatives if my cat won’t touch a treadmill?
Try interactive toys (laser pointers, wand toys), food puzzles, or vertical climbing structures like cat trees to keep them stimulated.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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