My cat supervises my after-dinner laps around the block

Tbh i’ve never been a gym person, but I can usually talk myself into a short loop after dinner. My 11-year-old orange cat, Milo, has decided this is his shift. He doesn’t actually walk with me — he waits by the gate, then follows for about half a block before peeling off to inspect a bush. Still, knowing he’s there makes me put shoes on when I’d rather sink into the couch. Last Tuesday I tracked 22 minutes instead of my usual 12, mostly because I kept doubling back to see if he was behind me. My appetite has been quiet on this med, but movement still takes a nudge. I’m curious how others pair walks with their pets or borrowed pets. Do you have a dog who sets the pace, a cat who comes along at a distance, or a neighbor’s pet who expects you at a certain time? I’m trying to build a gentle routine, not a punishment, and the four-legged accountability is oddly sweet. What works for you?