There are several synonyms for "animated oat," including "sprightly oat," "lively oat," and "energetic oat." Each of these synonyms carries a similar connotation of liveliness and vigor, making them useful alternatives to the original phrase. Other possible synonyms might include "vivacious oat," "bouncy oat," or "buoyant oat," each of which captures a slightly different aspect of the original meaning. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the specific context and tone of the writing, as well as the author's personal preference for vocabulary and diction.