If itchiness is at the root of the problem though, don't you think wearing something like this would drive her insane and it would be counter productive? She'd probably tear it off anyway....

Apart from thoroughly ruling out a food and flea allergy ( I assume these have been ruled out by the vets since they're the most common causes ) the only other thing I could suggest is a short course of steroids like prednilolone. If the problem is allergy based this would give her some relief if even for a short while! Until you find a solution that is!

I agree with Ianthi, Covering it up will make it warmer which might intensify the itching. Speak to your vet again, I’m sure there are other options you can try, like the Prednisolone Steriods.

Jen

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Yes, instantly reminded of when I had my leg in full plaster on one very long, hot humid summer........sheer torture!

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions, I am off work today so I have taken the collar off her and not letting her out of my sight. I am trying a kind of "clicker training" for cats where by everytime she starts to lick, I am chucking little tin-foil balls at her in an attempt to divert her attention.

One of the reasons she wants to lick is that she has 10 inches of stitches running along her side as a result of having to have surgery to heal up the huge gaping wounds she has given herself. At the minute she is covered in this bright blue sticky, crepe bandage stuff the vet has wrapped her in and due to surgery and licking she is quite bald.

A friend has suggested Dermasol which is a vitamin E gel so would help with the healing and it tastes vile so might help with the licking. I will mention this and the steroids to the vet this week.

Thank you all once again, I will let you know how we go!

Lol! I am sure!

Seriously, I used Clomicalm for my cats spraying habit and it really worked. I understand it works similarly to human antidepressant medication, so is non-addictive and can safely be taken for the longer term. Only problem is the daily pilling, but the pills are really small and easy to get in. Really an option you could consider.