my cat has started attacking and acting strange

[bailles]

hi i really hope someone can help as this is the most upsetting thing ever, my 11 year old tom cat toby, how is neutered is the most placid boy in the world, a few days ago i noticed he was acting different very quiet and laying away on his own he seamed as though he was going deaf, however this morning he has vicously attacked my 11 year old son, his full arm has been ripped to shreds he was just sitting playing his games console now were near toby, i am so worried as this is so so out of character for toby, these two grew up together and are best friends this has truly broken my heart this morning as i love toby like he is one of my children

please help

[zodiacqueen]

Toby's been showing you that he hasn't been feeling well over the past few days. Toby acting out is another symptom of that. Are you positive that your son didn't unintentionally aggravate him? An easygoing cat will not just randomly go on the attack.

He really needs to be seen by a vet. Could be something as simple as an infection. I would not assume that this is a thyroid issue. I can't see a thyroid problem causing a cat to go on the attack.

Your sweet boy will be back in no time, once he's evaluated by a vet.

[CML2014]

Hi Bailles.
,
Toby is getting to me a "Grumpy Old Man". At eleven years old he could very well be going deaf. These things happen to cats as well as humans when they get to be Senior Citizens....and Toby at 11 qualifies as one.
This is when the Thyroid comes into play. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects elderly cats.  Toby needs a T4 test for his Thyroid to determine if this is the case.

Some of the outward signs of this are poor quality of his coat, excessive eating with loss of weight, hyper activity, howling at night......and GRUMPINESS!!! Yes that's right !
Combine the fact poor Toby may be dealing with a loss of hearing, well he is going to be a little wacky. He knows something is not right with sounds and he is very hyper. They can sometimes strike.out aggressively.

Before you do anything and get really upset, see the vet and have his thyroid tested they have meds to correct this and even a radioactive I-131  procedure to eradicate the enlarged thyroid. Also surgery, so there are a number of ways to deal with this.
Either way Toby needs to see the vet. These are uncommon traits for him so it is worth a consult with your vet. Senor cats should be visiting the vet at least twice a year due to the aging process causing the quick eruption of new illnesses. Just like us unfortunately.
Please let us know what your vet has to say. We learn from our posters. You will help others with the info you can pass on.

Good Luck,
CML