Don't walk.....but RUN to your local PetsMart or pet store. This same thing peridically happens to my cat. For years I would give him a twice a year steroid shot, until I learned the longterm dangers that this could have on him. I scrutinized everything that he eats, made sure that he was eating from glass bowls only. Flea bites do seem to trigger this reaction in him, but it is more like an itching cycle once he gets one itch......then he just KEEPS itching until he is RAW in many places. I found the absolute best and immediate way to treat this, is to BREAK the cycle of itching, by applying Hydro-cortisone cream to his body. I purchased an inexpensive creme at PetsMart called 2 in 1 Hydro-Cortisone Anti-Itch Creme. I put a couple good size dollups in my hands and rub them together, like I am putting on hand lotion. Then I rub my hands everywhere on his body. The itching seems to stop immediately. I believe that it is more pyschological than anything, that is why once the creme is applied, he stops. Another thing that I bought that works just as well, is something called Green Ban. I bought it at the health food store. It is an anti-itch powder for pets. It says on the container that it "helps stop the itch-scratch cycle". It contains peppermint, eucalypt, cajuput, and myrrh. I sprinkle this on him and he also immediately stops scratching. I have not had to even consider a steroid shot in over a year, because the "cycle" is stopped, once I notice it beginning.
One clue to all of this, is the fact that you were gone on vacation when this started. this tells me that your cat is "sensitive" in nature. Is this true? My cat is very sensitive. In fact, my husband and I have often joked that he is "gay". (Hope I didn't offend anyone here. lol) But my cat is more of a sensitive guy that gets his "feelings" hurt more easily than the other cats. "Things" effect him, whereas my other cats are not effected. Make certain that he is up to snuff with flea control, because one flea can trigger this whole scratching cycle. Please feel free to email me privately for further information on the products that I use. [email protected]