It is important to remember that cats do not usually travel well.  They do not usually enjoy it, nor do they adapt well to travel. A cat must go though an adjustment period in a new environment, and this means that your cat will not look upon your friend’s house as “home” for quite awhile.  Therefore, your cat may try to escape from the strange house at every opportunity or hide as a fear reaction. Most cat owners recognize that it is not fair to impose this kind of responsibility on their friends, nor is it a safe arrangement for their pets.  Having a boarding facility care for your pets in your absence is, therefore, the best alternative. The best way to arrange for such care is to entrust your cat to a pet care facility, where the security arrangements are adequate, to insure that your cat will not escape, and where the staff are trained in observing and handling the problems that might arise in your absence.