Mount Washington's Feline Weather Assistants

For nearly 100 years, cats have worked as assistant weather observers at the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The current cat on duty is Nimbus, who became a full-time employee in 2021.

The Observatory's History

The Mount Washington Observatory sits at the top of the mountain and was built in 1932. Its job is to study weather and climate, and to teach people about them. Since it opened, people have always staffed the weather station, with two teams switching places each week.

Why Cats Joined the Team

When the station first opened, it had a pest problem. The building was the only warm spot at nearly 6,300 feet above sea level, which made it attract many rodents. To fix this issue, the crew brought eight cats to live there full-time and help control the mice and rats.

Today, the building has been updated and doesn't get as many rodents as before. But cats are still an important part of the operation. In fact, since those first cats arrived at the summit, there has always been at least one cat living at the observatory.

Meet Nimbus: The Current Cat on Duty

Nimbus is doing a great job following in the pawprints of Marty, the cat who worked there before him.

Living at the top of a mountain for a week can be lonely, especially during bad weather when no visitors come up. One of Nimbus's most important jobs is simply keeping the crew company during these times.

More Than Just Pest Control

Nimbus also serves as the mascot for the observatory. He helps bring many visitors to the summit who might not make the trip otherwise.

And sometimes, he even shares his expert opinions on weather data with the crew!

The tradition of cats at Mount Washington Observatory shows how our feline friends can be more than just pets - they can be coworkers, companions, and even local celebrities in the most unexpected places.