Feline pulling hair out of tail

Question
My cats is 7 and has ALWAYS chewed the fur off his tail.  His tail isn't totally devoid of fur but he is a long haired tabby but his tail resembles a short hair breed ONLY because he pulls the hair out.  He doesn't repeat this behavior anywhere else on his body except his tail?  What's up?

Answer
This could ba an allergic skin problem.  Ask your vet to give the cat a shot of DEpoMEdrol.  It should last 6 weeks and if the skin  stops itching and the cat leaves his tail alone, then you know it is allergic.  If it does not help, then something live elavil or buspar to alter the cat's behavior may help.