Originally posted by Edwina's Secretary
Maybe the reason this kitty is wiping his/her paws on the wall is because there isn't a paw towel immediately available. Perhaps a towel rack should be hung in the location indicated by the cat and a clean towel provided?????

And, if that doesn't work, I am going to suggest that it is their way of MARKING THEIR TERRITORY/POOP/FOOD SUPPLY. I have read this several times in various resources. Cats do this- even when obstensibly they appear to be 'covering up'- to tell themselves, "This is mine, no need to worry"...so, they would mark around the food bowl, to essentially say, "hey, Fido, this is actually my food"...or similar sentiments. Cats carry scent makers in their paws, base of tail, and glands near the mouth. So, while we think they are covering their litter box presents, really they are just marking a big area around it that says it is theirs, and they are covering it up, to hide the activity. Does that make sense?

So, when your friend's cat is pawing the wall, he/she is just letting everyone, including herself, know that is her place- no need for alarm.