If it occurs in several places around the home it is likely to be marking behaviour and may mean that the cat feels insecure. This should be treated similarly to indoor spraying. If it is just in one or two places it is more likely to be to keep claws in trim. The cat should be provided with a scratching post of its own, such as a sisal wrapped post, which is placed where the cat was originally scratching, and then gradually moved to a more convenient area as the cat starts to use it. Many cats find catnip irresistible, so try impregnating their scratching posts with it, to lure them away from your furniture.
Separation anxiety See over-attachment .
This may be due to lack of early socialization, trauma, enforced handling during illness or over-enthusiastic handling. The owner needs to increase the cat's dependence, perhaps by feeding small, frequent meals, stroking gently at the same time, gradually increasing the frequency of stroking. The key to making friends with your cat is to let him or her approach you and initiate contact, rather than constantly approaching the cat. If you ignore your cat, you're much more likely to have a feline form approach you and settle on your lap or near you.