hi - i also have a beautiful cat with silky long hair who does the same thing. she started by just 'trimming' her front legs and we called her the french poodle wannabe! i have a few friends who do animal communication, and they all came up with the fact that she just does it because she WANTS to, and that she really wants to be a short haired cat! i'm thinking of trying one of the flower remedies also, because i'm convinced it's not an allergy, and i don't use toxic chemicals here, and also use a chemical free litter. best wishes in figuring out your situation!
marz