My cat is losing hair in many places, largest around the ears, with patches both small and large.

Multiple areas of hair loss on a cat are generally caused by a skin disease. Common causes include fungal and bacterial infections, mite infestations, allergies, and a weakened immune system.

Take your cat to a veterinary hospital for a skin scraping test to determine the specific type of skin condition, then use targeted medication. During treatment, fit the cat with an Elizabethan collar to stop it licking the medicine.

Also keep the environment clean and regularly wash and disinfect the cat bed, cat tree, and litter box to reduce bacteria and mites.