One of my kitties is an overgroomer. She first started licking and chewing herself raw when I got her fixed. She went to town on her shaved tummy and had to wear an e-collar until the fur grew back. Then she started on her paws. There's no obvious environmental or food trigger, but the thing that helped alleviate it the most--beyond cortizone shots as needed--was a companion. Since getting my other cat, Henry 9 years ago, she's only had two or three flareups, and with a long-acting cortizone shot and an e-collar, I was unable to get them under control rather quickly. I think she just gets bored and lonely.

Good luck. It' s a tough situation. If they have a vet they've worked with in the past--especially if the know about Lore--then perhaps they'll give a discount for any necessary treatment.