A very bad itching problem

Question
My cat is about 3 years old, and is litterally biting the hair of himself. He is biting so bad that he makes himself bleed and that spot is left completly bald. Its hair every where in my house, and i dont know what to do. We have already determined that he does not have fleas, because no one else in the house is itching. This problem began in the begining of August and hasn't stopped. I am very scared for him. Can you help?

Answer
There are several short-term ways to address this problem but really, before trying any of them, I strongly suggest you take him to a vet. Skin problems like this can be stress-induced, allergic reactions, or the result of a parasitical/bacterial/fungal infection. Or a combination.
With such a broad scope of causes, it is really inappropriate for me to try to make any guesses as to the cause.

Please, if the stores are open when you get this, go to your nearest Petsmart, Petco, or pet supply store and buy an elizabethan collar for your cat. This will make it impossible for him to continue biting/licking at himself. They are usually available in the dog section and come in different sizes. You may want to call ahead to make sure there's one in stock.  There will most likely be some sort of over the counter preparation there that you can spray or apply over the sore/itchy spots that will give him some temporary relief. There's a spray by Eqyss that is excellent for this. If you cannot find anything at the pet shop, it is safe to use a human anti-itch cortisone cream on the spots but only if you do so in conjunction with the collar -- you can't have him licking it.

You might also look for a medicated anti itch shampoo -- an oatmeal type would be best. Be very careful reading labels on anything other than an oatmeal shampoo as some are for dogs only. Even if it says that it's okay for cats you should still check to make sure there's no coal tar in it as that is toxic for cats. Given him a bath with the shampoo and leave the lather on for 5 minutes or whatever the directions say. If you need help on how to bathe a cat, write back.

Again, these are only short term solutions and given the way you describe your cat's problem, it is highly unlikely that any of them will solve it. They may make him more comfortable until you can get him to the vet but ultimately this is something that a vet will really need to help you with.

good luck

iris