Alistar viable mid lane?

Hi, I recently picked up alistar and have been loving him. I was just wondering what your opinions on him playing mid lane are and what would be a good build. I have only played one game as him mid and he seems to counter katarina. She Q's, you E. She E's, you Q-W. She ults, you Q or W. Plus you can harass her with W knowing if she goes in you have another stun on your Q, and a heal. Just that alone makes him seem ok to me, but I am a noob so that is why I want to know everyone elses opinions. Thanks!