NATCHEZ — What might be perceived as a bad hair day to some, is exactly the look Dewberry wants to achieve.

All Dewberry needs is a rinse and some time to air dry to look her best Saturday for the Allbreed Championship and Household Pet Cat Show.

Dewberry, an adolescent Selkirk Rex, is an American breed known for curly hair and playfulness.

“Some people say (Selkirk Rexes) are cats having a bad hair day,” Florence Hargis, Dewberry’s owner said.

The cat’s curls and sweet disposition will make a debut at the cat show — a first for Dewberry and the City of Natchez.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Natchez Community Center on Franklin Street, and the show will end around 4:30 p.m.

Signups have already closed, and 114 cats from across the U.S. are primping this week for the show.

One cat is making the trip from Santiago, Chile, and the rest are coming from California, Maryland, Oklahoma and practically every Southern state including Mississippi and Louisiana. Many of the cats are staying at the Days Inn.

Hargis, a Natchez resident, said she has been showing cats for more than 10 years, and she is thrilled a cat show will be hosted in Natchez. Hargis said that cat shows were frequent in the region at one time, and she would show her own cats six to eight times a year. However, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, cat shows became less frequent.

For Hargis, showing cats all started with a cat magazine she bought for her daughter. She said of all the cats pictured in the magazine, the Selkirk Rex stood out.

“It was different, new and totally American,” Hargis said. “The curly hair is a natural mutation, which allows a lot of variety. I said, ‘I want this one.’”

Dewberry is the daughter of Blueberry, a retired champion Selkirk Rex.

“Blueberry was judged to be a good example of her breed,” Hargis said.

Hargis said cat shows have similarities and also big differences when compared to dog shows.

“They are a lot more quiet,” Hargis said. “No barking.”

At Saturday’s show, cat cages, sometimes decorated or themed, will be set up at five judging rings where cats are judged on a standard of perfection.

Hargis said another advantage to cat shows, is that cats have a longer time in the spotlight as compared to dog shows. Spayed cats, and non-pedigree breeds can also compete.

Natchez newcomer Jo Parris, show manager, has been involved with the International Cat Association and Mississippi Cat Fanciers for approximately 40 years. Parris said the cat show is definitely a spectator event, and she hopes lots of folks in the Miss-Lou will come — whether you love cats or not.

“Maybe we’ll make cat fans out of them,” Parris said. “Years ago, when I first got into cat fanciers, men would say, ‘Oh, I hate cats.’ But maybe we can make some converts.”

Parris said, in her experience, cat-haters come in one of two breeds.

“Either you’ve never been around a cat, or you’re such a tyrant that you can’t stand having anything around that you can’t boss,” Parris joked.

And that is why Parris personally loves cats — their autonomy.

“I think the most special thing about a cat is their independence,” Parris said. “But they are dependent at the same time — for food, water and a litter box. They look to us for affection too, but they won’t admit it.”

Parris said spectators are in for a treat, as they will be exposed to dozens of rare breeds, including Siberians, pixie bobs, Savannahs, munchkins, Persians, Himalayans, Siamese, Bengals, Maine coon, rag dolls and more.

The show is organized with a bench area where spectators can approach exhibitors, meet the cats and ask questions. Cats are assigned a number and winning cats will first be narrowed down according to breed, and then the best of the best kittens and cats will be announced.

“It’s like Miss America,” Parris said.

A vendor will have a variety of cat items for sale, Parris said. Everything from cat trees, grooming supplies, toys and beds.

Parris said the Humane Society arranged catering for the show, and will have cats available for adoption.

“We would just like people to come, have a good time, and don’t be bashful about asking questions,” Parris said.

Parris said cat registration forms can be picked up at the show, for anyone who might like to show their cat in the future.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $1 for children under 12. An adult must accompany children.

“Go and look,” Hargis said. “You might see a particular breed that appeals to you.”