Cats can carry ringworm, a type of fungal infection.
Although it is normal to lose some hair every day, some people occasionally experience excessive hair loss, known as alopecia. Excessive hair loss can be caused by many things, including hormone imbalances, infections, medications, certain hairstyles, and male-pattern baldness.
Hormone Imbalances
Imbalances of male and female hormones can lead to hair loss. This can usually be treated by correcting the hormone imbalance.
Infections
Fungal infections like ringworm can cause small patches of hair loss. Ringworm can be treated with antifungal creams.
Medication
Some medications, including blood thinners, high blood pressure medicine, birth control pills, and antidepressants, may cause hair loss. Stopping medications can improve hair loss, but always talk to a doctor before you stop taking medication.
Hairstyles
Certain hairstyles, like tight ponytails or cornrows, can lead to a kind of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Hot oil treatments or chemical permanents can also cause hair loss. Hair usually grows back from traction alopecia unless the scalp is scarred.
Male-Pattern Baldness
Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is characterized by baldness on top of the head and a gradually receding hairline. Male-pattern baldness is permanent.
Warning
Hair loss can rarely signal the onset of a disease like lupus or diabetes; always seek medical care for unexplained hair loss.
