The Winnipeg Humane Society will be giving cats away to qualified people on Friday, but at least one critic believes the move might endanger the felines.

"The problem with having free animals is you create no value," said D'arcy Johnston, who operates D'Arcy's A.R.C., a no-kill animal shelter. "So when someone gets something free it has no value to them, so when they're done with it they throw it away."

Humane society spokeswoman Aileen White said anyone wanting a cat will have to go through a process to make sure they are prepared to take on the responsibility.

"If they're wanting a quick and easy cat to get, they're not going to be coming here," White said. "The process is way too thorough."

Humane society giveaways are nothing new, White added: The Edmonton Humane Society, for example, have free cat days every month.

White hopes 150 adult cats will be adopted during Friday's giveaway.