Prime Minister Stephen Harper's wife was interrupted by an activist Thursday night as she spoke at a Toronto film festival dedicated to online cat videos.

Laureen Harper was introducing the 'Just for Cats' Internet video screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on King Street West when activist Hailey King shouted questions from the crowd about missing and murdered aboriginal women.

Harper initially ignored or didn't see the activist, who was standing in the dark auditorium, but she paused her speech to tell King that she had chosen the wrong venue for her protests.

"If you'd like to donate to animals tonight, we'd love to take your money," she told the activist, who was being escorted out of the theatre by security. The audience applauded.

"That's a great cause, but that's another night," Harper said. "Tonight we're here for homeless cats."

King could be seen leaving the theatre with a smile on her face as Harper turned back to her speech.

The video festival was held to raise money for the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.