Can't Figure Out What's Wrong With My Itchy Cat

Hi everyone. I have a cat named Loco. He is an indoor/outdoor cat. He's about 3 years old. He's never had any health problems before. Lately, I think he's been very itchy. I THINK that's what it is. He'll be laying down, as he always does, then out of nowhere he'll start licking himself pretty violently. He then runs crazily aroud the house, licking himself. It's so bad, he jumps onto tables and knocks everything down. I've spent house google-searching this and just can't figure out what could be wrong. He definetly does not have fleas. I've looked in his fur with a microscope and didn't see anything. Not even a little dandruff or dry skin. Plus I have 3 other animals in the house, and none of them are showing any symptoms. He has an extremely healthy coat, very shiny and clean. He does shed somewhat heavily, but nothing I'd consider excessive or hair loss. No red spots or bumps either. So that seems to rule out allergies, bugs of any kind, and dry skin. I'm really at a loss here, I just don't know what else it could be. I feel so bad for him, whatever this is seems to bother him quite frequently. Thanks for any help you can give, I really appreciate it!

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

Excellent question and thank you for all the information.
I agree with you that it does not sound like parasites however I would recommend you have your vet take a look at Loco. sometimes the signs can be extremely subtle.
I have a gut feeling though that your cat is loco (as in crazy...and yes I know his name is Loco)...seriously. Behavioral disorders such as OCD and anxiety can occur in cats and can manifest as hyperactive episodes of grooming. I would video tape Loco during one of his episodes and have the vet review it. If that s the diagnosis then some behavior modification via shock therapy and many hours of him lying on a couch talking about his mother will help wonders :)
Just kidding of course. Though there are some medication that may be necessary.
Cliff

[bagley777]

Thank you so much. I guess we named him well!(: I'll do some research on things like that and see what I feel fits, then talk to my vet about it. Thanks a bunch!