Answer:
Another thing you may not have considered is the temperament of the animal. Some cats need extra attention throughout the day or they act out in unnatural ways. Stress levels are difficult to measure (especially in felines) but changes in environment, kids, dogs, new furniture, appliances, even a change in the food YOU eat can all set off stress responses in a feline. The worst thing you can do is to get angry at the animal and yell, chase, punish it. Cats rarely learn that way.
If you don't know, or can't change whatever is stressing the cat out try changing something for the animal in a constructive way. Some times getting a new kitty perch, better food, and simply showing much more effection throughout the day can solve it. Remember that the cat doesn't WANT to deface, for some reason or other it feels like it needs to, or is just confused.
Hope this helps! Good luck.