Tell your friend that it is not cruel to keep the kitten safe in the bathroom. (or choose another room, if you think it would be better). What is cruel is allowing it to get lost or hurt in a house that probably looks a large as a huge city to its tiny little body. Kittens can find or MAKE a lot of trouble for themselves. Not the least of which is chewing on wires. (I was reminded of this recently when my foster Chevy was caught chewing on wires). They can find holes to hide in that you cannot imagine (as reminded by losing foster Annie on her first day with me). They will eat things that are bad for them because they do not know better. (no horror story with this one. hee hee). Just try to remember that you would not let a 2 year old child unattended and confining a baby with a baby gate is not cruel. It is her responsiblity to keep this baby safe.