Does anyone own a cat who refuses to walk on their floor?

My indoor cat is 8 1/2 years old and has suddenly developed allergies (not fleas). Took him to the vet got a cortisone shot and stopped his itching but he has developed a habit of refusing to walk on my hardwood floors anymore. Whenever he has to use the litter box or eat he runs (literally, like a galloping horse) does what he needs to do then seeks a higher ground, usually on my book shelf or desk top and worse the table. He HATES walking on the ground. What gives? Anyone else ever had their cat act weird like that?