[aideriimibion]

I can't think of one reason a shelter would not adopt a cat out to almost anybody with a home or apt that allowed pets. Unless.....they own a pit bull or other cat eating monster.

Two questions, has your friend ever been charged with animal cruelty or neglect? Did the shelter check them out or run a background check?

If the answer is yes to either, then there may be things about your friend that you do not know and your friend is not telling you.