The dogs have “barked in the park,” and now it’s time once again for the cats to purr.

During the month of January, we are asking cat owners to take a photo of your “purrfect” cats and submit them for the third annual Natchez-Adams County Humane Society Most Purrfect Cat Photo Contest.

The actual contest will take place at the Natchez Mall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. The public will have the opportunity to view all of the submitted photos and vote for the cat that they think is “most purrfect.”

Even if you do not have an affinity for cats, I bet you know someone who loves their cat more than anything! Please let them know about this fun way to honor their feline companions. Last year’s contest raised $1,500 for the shelter. The 2010 Most Purrfect Cat was Lilli Netterville.

Here’s how the contest works. Take a photo of your cat. Have it printed on photo paper no larger than 4 inches by 6 inches.

On the back of the photo, write the following information: the cat’s name, the owner’s name and a phone number and/or e-mail address where you can be reached.

If you wish for your photo to be returned, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Send the photo along with a $5 donation made out to NACHS. If you wish to submit more than one photo, just be sure to include $5 per photo.

Entries must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 4, and mailed to:

Most Purrfect Cat Photo Contest

507 John R. Junkin Drive

Suite C, Box 277

Natchez, MS 39120

On Feb. 12, get all of your friends, family and co-workers to stop by the Natchez Mall to vote for your purrfect kitty.

You can also collect “votes” ahead of time and bring the money collected to the mall on the 12th. Votes cost $1 each, and all proceeds from this contest will go to support the daily operations of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society shelter located on Liberty Road. The cat that earns the most votes will be crowned Most Purrfect Cat 2011, and will receive a crown, a cat goody basket, and have its photo submitted to The Natchez Democrat.

If you don’t have the purrfect cat in your life, please stop by the shelter where you will find a wonderful companion, or two. On behalf of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, thanks Miss-Lou, for your continued support.

Susan Mingee is a Natchez resident and a NACHS Board Member.