healy, my tabby, is having some troubles. he scratches himself, badly
enough that he opens wounds on his face. he does not have fleas, or
mites, and has been on "revolution" for the past six weeks to ensure
this. (the fact that neither i nor my other cat shows any problems also
argues to me that it is not a flea/parasite problem.)

he has been to the vet several times over the past six weeks about this,
and she is stumped. we have had him on a low-allergy diet for the past
month, but it also seems not to help.

injections of a steroidal anti-inflammatory work; after one of these, he
will stop scratching and heal, but in about 10 days the shot wears off
and he starts up again. but i'm hoping i wont have to take him to the
vet for a shot every 10 days for the rest of his life! we tried giving
him an anti-inflammatory pill (prednisolone) for a while, but it had no
effect -- he still scratched away.

any ideas, anyone? other than this, he seems a happy, active cat. i dont
 have any live plants in the house, and while i am not felix unger, i'm
also not oscar madison -- it's a reasonably well-kept house (ie not tons
of dust or bugs around...).

the vet says if he doesn't clear up soon, she will recommend going to a
skin specialist (ie i will go from paying $$ to paying $$$$ for treatment).

suggestions welcome.

chris