unprovoked cat biting

I have a 1 yr old male neutered mix breed cat and since he has been very young he has started to bit which I at first thought was due to his natural predatory instincts however lately it has been out of control. I can't even sleep w/out worrying about him attacking. I used to let him sleep in my room however now I have to lock him out because he will bite me while I am sleeping.  Its wierd because he is a very needy cat in that he has to be where ever I am and if not he will meow by the door until I let him in. He will come to me or my son as if he wants to be pat and then when we do he bites and if we don't he meows until we do. but we can only do it for a second and then he wants to bite us. I also noticed something strange and that is if I am eating hard candy and bitting down on it making the crunching noise it seems to set him off.  He is a very well cared for cat ( I treat him like a second child) and has gotten all shots and immunizations. I did not have him declawed even though he does not go outside. sometimes I wonder if it is because he needs to be an outdoor cat but we live on a busy street and I just cant bring myself to let him run around out there. I have tried buying more excitting toys to occupy his time which he seems to love but did not resolve the problem. I have tried changing his foot and also herbal remedies for cats but nothing has worked. I have even tried changing brands of liter but nothing. please HELP! I love my cat but its getting to the point where I feel I may have to find him another home and I don't want to do that.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Please view the following website:

http://www.2ndchance.info/aggressivecat.htm

This article, by Dr, Roni Hines contains a lot of good information including medical treatments when behavioral modification fails.  Sometimes medication such as Prozac can be used for a short time but has lasting effects.  Try behavioral modification first and if that fails or is only partially effective than please get the appropriate help with medication from your veterinarian.