OK, took cat to the vet this morning for the sensitivity to the touch near
rear end that made her lick like crazy.  Fleas, yup, fleas.  Showed no signs
of having fleas. Vet says you can't always tell, they (cats) pretty take
care of them themselves but can't lick back there. Told him I was
embarrassed not to have figured as much. He said once again, "Can't always
tell", then showed me how to stroke the hair in one direction and get some
of the residue onto a wet paper towel then let it set for a minute or two
and smear it, it will leave brown streaks on the paper.  Gave the cat a shot
of Dempomedrol and some Advantage and an Rx of Prednisone.  Well, what can I
say?  My ignorance cost kitty considerable discomfort and $78.00  expensive
lesson eh!  Said they get up under the skin and aggravate the nerve endings.
Should start to see improvement in a day or two.

Stone