20 FAQs about Nimbus, the Summit Cat

By Nimbus & Alexis George

I recently collaborated with Weather Observer and Meteorologist, Alexis George, to compile and answer the most frequently asked questions about me, Nimbus the Summit Cat. From the history of cats at the Observatory to daily living, I hope these answers help illustrate what it’s like to work and live as the resident summit cat on the rockpile!

1. So, what is the story behind the cats at Mount Washington Observatory?

This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions that observers receive while working on Mount Washington. I am far from the first cat to find a home atop of Mount Washington. The history of cats on the summit actually starts back in 1932 with the founding of the Observatory. During these times, cats were kept at the Observatory to keep the rodent problem under control and to keep the weather staff company on their long shifts.

2. Who was the first Mount Washington Observatory cat?

The first known cat was Tikky. By 1934, logs recorded an amount of 8 felines kept in the Observatory, and some of their names included Oompha, Blackie, Ammonuisance, Elmer, Manx, and George. As decades have passed since then, the summit cats have gained a lot of fame, with my feline friends and I featured on T-shirts, posters, postcards, and other souvenirs.

3. Who was the summit cat prior to Nimbus?

The summit cat prior was Marty, who passed away in late 2020.

4. When did Nimbus join the Mount Washington Observatory staff?

I joined the Observatory staff in April 2021, and I am now part of the long list of resident cats that have lived at the summit since the Observatory’s founding in 1932.

5. Where is Nimbus from?

In my past life before I joined the MWOBS staff, I was a cat named Greg and lived on the streets of Oklahoma.

6. Why the name Nimbus?

With staff input, the name Nimbus was chosen after the large gray clouds (just like my meownificant gray fur) that produce precipitation.

7. How old is Nimbus?

I will be turning 5 years old come this March. Don’t be fooled by my age though! I still have plenty of kitten energy, and can get the zoomies at any and all hours of the day.

8. What type of cat is Nimbus?

I am a Grey Shorthair, but don’t let that fool you- my personality is anything but dull!

9. Does Nimbus ever go outside at the summit?

While I definitely prefer the warmth and comfort of inside, I do like to venture outside when the weather is nice enough. When I am outside, the observers will spot me hiding in some of the little caves in the rocks. I definitely know where my food is though, so I always reliably come back to the Observatory.

10. What does Nimbus like to do all day?

When I am not outside, I enjoy begging for treats from the Observers and taking naps on the couch or on someone’s lap. At night, I like to hunt for mice and I take that role very seriously; after all, it is my purrsonal responsibility to keep the rodent population in check.

11. What is Nimbus’ personality like?

I consider myself a sociable cat and I like to use meows, chatters, and purrs to get the attention of staff members and visitors.

12. Does Nimbus live at the summit year round?

Besides my occasional routine visit to the doctor, I do live at the mountain year round. When I do take a trip down to the valley, though, I always forget how there is 20% more oxygen at the base of the mountain than at the summit.

13. Does Nimbus like the winter season at the summit?

I am less than thrilled when the weather turns colder, snowier, and windier at Mount Washington in the winter. So, most days, the observers will find me enjoying the warmth of our living quarters. Sometimes, I’ll even lay directly on the heater in the living quarters when I am not warm enough.

14. Who is Nimbus’ favorite Weather Observer?

An educational group asked this very question to staff members when they came to the summit last summer. The summit staff apparently held a vote and decided that Alexis George was my favorite Weather Observer. I think that is purrposterous though, because I can’t just pick one! Each of the summit staff have their own purrsonaility that makes them wonderfully unique. Take Weather Observer and Education Specialist, Alex Branton, for example. I am always on cloud nine when she lets me nap on her lap. And then there is Weather Observer and Research/IT Specialist, Charlie Peachey, who always shares treats with me.

15. Does Nimbus have his own stuffed animal?

I do and the observers keep one in the weather room. I can’t stand that fluffball though, that stuffed feline is just a furball of a fraud if you ask me! While the real Nimbus is not for sale, my plushy doppelganger is available at the Observatory summit store website, with proceeds supporting the Observatory’s work in weather discovery. You can find all of my Nimbus products available here.

16. Are there any images of Nimbus on the yearly Mount Washington Observatory calendar?

Gather ‘round, fellow felines and curious creatures! I’ve got something pawsitively extraordinary to share with you all – I actually have my very own calendar! Every month is a whisker away from being a masterpiece, filled with purrfectly timed photos of me, Nimbus the Summit Cat, in various poses that showcase my majestic form against breathtaking backdrops. Weather Observer and Staff Meteorologist, Ryan Knapp, created the Nimbus on Mount Washington 2025 Calendar and Views From The Top Of New England 2025 Calendar, which are both available here: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/MWO231

17. Does Nimbus have his gear?

I do actually! The crafty team at Limmer Boots created me my own custom set of boots. Thanks guys!

18. Where does Nimbus sleep?

The observers typically find me sleeping on the couch in the living quarters. I also will occasionally sleep on my cat bed or hammock upstairs in the weather room if I feel like it.

19. Does Nimbus take part in Seek the Peak?

Yes, I participate in Seek the Peak every year to help raise funds for the Mount Washington Observatory. I can’t wait for this year’s fundraiser, it’s going to be the best! You can donate to my purr-sonal fundraising page here.

20. Will I get to see Nimbus on a weather station tour?

As the resident summit cat and Observatory mascot, I have free reign within the Sherman Adams State Park Visitor Center along with the Observatory’s Weather Station and Living Quarters. So, your chances of seeing me are typically limited as I could be napping or hunting for mice anywhere. If you do happen to meet me on a weather station tour or during one of the Observatory’s overnight Edutrips, though, make sure to give me some chin scratches as I quite enjoy them.

In conclusion, being a cat on the summit is really unfurgettable! If you want to learn about what it’s like to be a Weather Observer in particular, be sure to check out Alex Branton’s blog “100 FAQs about Being a Weather Observer on Mount Washington.” Otherwise, be sure to check out the upcoming Spring Windswept if you want to hear more from me— I have my very own column called “News from Nimbus,” and I give a lot of thought to the cat puns I use!