A recent study has identified the Himalayan cat as the least attractive breed, measuring its beauty using facial ratios. The research analyzed various cat breeds, revealing that beauty perception in cats may vary widely among owners. The study calculated beauty by measuring facial proportions, a method also applied in evaluating human aesthetics.
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The study highlights that the ideal facial ratio is 1.62, derived from historical mathematical principles by Euclid. In this research, the Himalayan scored an average ratio of 58.49, indicating a deviation of 56.87 from the ideal. Other breeds labeled less attractive include the Peterbald, with a ratio of 19.78, and the Persian at 7.49.
In contrast, breeds recognized for their beauty include the Norwegian Forest, Russian Blue, and Manx, each scoring close to the ideal ratio of 1.62, specifically at 1.65 and 1.59.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are approximately 600 million cats globally, with over 200 million being pets. In the U.S., around 32 million households own a cat, a practice dating back roughly 3,700 years.
While shorthair domestic cats are the most common choice among American pet owners, there is still interest in exotic breeds despite their higher prices. For example, Himalayan kittens can cost up to $3,500. This suggests that aesthetic appeal, whether perceived as beautiful or ugly, can influence purchasing decisions in the cat market.