Six months into his trek across Australia, Catman has reached Albany.
The 25-year-old Japanese national, whose real name is Kentaro Jin, has made it his mission to walk from Carnarvon, down the coast of Western Australia and across the Nullabor to Sydney — all while dressed as a cat.
Having reached Albany several weeks ago, Catman is staying at a friend’s house — a luxurious upgrade from his usual tent on the side of the road.
“It is a very nice old town, with good views,” he said.
“It was very hot on the way from Carnarvon to Geraldton, so down here is a good temperature.
“I love Albany and the people so far.”
In Japan, Catman works in construction with his father, and his name, outfit and wheelbarrow (the word wheelbarrow in Japanese is pronounced “cat”) are all a nod to his profession.
He said his trip had led him to meet some very interesting and kind people, some recurring along the journey.
Morgan Maruthiah is one such friend, having seen Catman walking along a few months ago.
“We were driving quite slowly through Margaret River at night and I thought ‘that’s a very strange scarecrow’,” he said.
“Then he turned to look at us and we screamed — we thought we were going to be murdered by a guy dressed as a cat.
“Then we saw him again about two weeks ago walking down Albany Highway with his wheelbarrow, and I knew we had to reconnect with Catman.”
Mr Maruthiah, who has also recently moved to Albany, said the two were exchanging travel stories when the Albany Advertiser found them at Taxi Stand Coffee Bar on Monday.
When asked why he was walking across the continent, Catman replied “for s..s and giggles”.
Catman’s journey to Sydney can be followed via his Instagram page @catman6701, and the man himself is hard to miss with his spotty suit and yellow wheelbarrow piled with goods.