We can observe changes in our homes throughout the year, and winter is no exception . We close windows, turn on heating, switch on bright lights, and fill the decor with new colors. For us, it's a beautiful and anticipated annual ritual, but for our plants and animals, it's a complete change in the environment!
Your little ecosystem is being renewed! Let's better understand these changes and how we can continue to keep it safe.
Plants sense winter even without you realizing it.
You know when mid-November rolls around and all you can think about are weekends snuggled up on the sofa? In winter, houseplants also go into energy-saving mode. For them, this translates to less light, less growth, and less water needed, but it's precisely during this phase that we add unexpected stimuli to them!
The heat from fireplaces or heaters dries the air and accelerates the loss of moisture from the environment. Even moving plant pots should be regulated; constantly changing the plant's location is not advisable! For our plants, these abrupt changes can lead to burnt leaves, unwanted pests, and leaf drop, which inevitably end up being exploited by our furry friends.
Don't let curiosity hurt your furry friend.
Cats, dogs, and other domestic animals interpret the house in a sensory way, including the Christmas decorations.
Cats seek heights, which makes the Christmas tree completely irresistible and the ornaments easy prey. Dogs investigate with their mouths and noses; new plants are natural targets (of course!). Animals reinterpret the house with their senses heightened , and everything we introduce during this time inevitably alters how they move, investigate, and interact! Even the shyest become alert; flashing lights, new sounds, and smells can increase curiosity but also trigger stress. You can help them!
When two worlds collide
It is at the intersection of sensitive plants and more alert animals that risks arise. * Po insettia* , also known as the Christmas Star, is not as dangerous as its reputation suggests, but it can still cause irritation if bitten. The bright color , which we like to associate with the Christmas season, acts as an irresistible visual stimulus for many animals.
Holly , on the other hand, has small, shiny, and therefore highly attractive toxic berries. Also, in festive arrangements, lilies may appear as elegant and fragrant flowers, but they are dangerous to cats even if there is no direct ingestion; just the pollen is enough!
So how can we protect them?
There's no need for extremes, just precaution: safety doesn't depend so much on prohibitions, but on intelligently adjusting the environment. For the plant, what makes the difference is being in a stable location, away from drafts and heat sources, with enough light to get through the darkest weeks of the year.
For the animal, offering alternatives works very well . A cat with access to safe high points, away from the tree, may feel less need to climb it. A dog with toys suitable for its level of oral exploration shows much less interest in plants. And when the tree is securely fixed, whether attached to a point on the wall or supported on a heavy base, much of the risk of accidents involving pots, ornaments, and cables disappears. For furry friends who can't overcome their curiosity, the ideal is to opt for pet-friendly alternatives and avoid toxic plants, at Christmas and throughout the year.
We've left you a checklist. Quick guide to a safe Christmas:
- Toxic plants out of reach or outside the house;
- Fixed embellishments, with no loose ends;
- Protected cables;
- Well-anchored tree:
- Stable humidity and plants away from heating systems;
- Fallen leaves removed on the same day;
- Stable routines for the animal, without abrupt changes.
Ultimately, it all comes down to understanding.
When you realize how plants and animals interpret the house during winter, you no longer see protection as a boring rule. And you begin to see it as a way of caring for the domestic ecosystem that you are responsible for! It is this knowledge that makes Christmas more beautiful and safe for all beings who live with you. Merry Christmas!
