He Quit His Job And Sold His Belongings To Live The Dream: Traveling Cross-Country With His Cat!

Written by: Adri Sandoval
Adri Sandoval is the Special Projects Manager for iHeartDogs and iHeartCats. Her work has deepened her love for animals, fostering a strong passion for rescue and animal advocacy.Read more
| Published on May 22, 2016

If you’ve ever fantasized about leaving your conventional life to live “off the grid” with just your cat, you’re going to love this story!

Australia native Richard East worked in a corporate setting for a decade when he finally had enough. He quit his job and sold his house and possessions, purchasing a van and outfitting it with everything he’d need to live, including running water (see video at bottom).

And there was one more “necessity” he brought with him: his black rescue cat, Willow! Incidentally, she belonged to an ex-girlfriend. But when she couldn’t keep Willow anymore, East decided to step up and adopt the kitty, himself.

“I felt that when a cat is adopted you have lifetime responsibility to look after it. So I just made it work,” he explained to Love Meow. “Willow is very sweet and loving. She loves cuddles and is very affectionate,” he added.

A year later, East and Willow have gone on a ton of exciting adventures, exploring new places, enjoying new views, and even meeting new friends! Lucky for them, it’s been pretty smooth sailing so far.

“We have been very fortunate to have made it through the past year with no more troubles than two flat tires, 3 stitches on my head, and a sore paw,” he said in the story.

Check out some of their adventures!

“We are in this together traveling and exploring.” (Adapted from Love Meow)

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

 

“Our bond is no greater than any other human/cat but we are in a situation where we are reminded of that bond every day.” (Adapted from Love Meow)

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

 

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

 

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

 

“You’d be surprised how many take their adventure cats on the road, there are literally dozens of us! Staying at Wunjunga for two nights I was joined by Samara and Glen with their meow meows Batman and Kitty,” reads this caption.

 

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

“The little black adventure cat… really took a chance when she rescued me. The little cat who has made my van into a home and the whole of Australia her backyard.” (Adapted from Love Meow.)

A video posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

 

A video posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on

Watch this video, explaining it all:

Follow Willow’s adventures: on Instagram @vancatmeow, Facebook, or YouTube.

(h/t: Love Meow)