English
Spanish
ANIMAL FACT OR FICTION?
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH THESE 5 QUESTIONS
1
Touching baby birds will make their mother reject them because she smells humans.
Fact
Believe it or not, that’s fiction.
Most birds have a very poor sense of smell. But the truth is, not all baby birds on the ground need to be rescued. Some are learning to fly while mama is nearby watching. Unless the baby bird is wet; cold; injured; covered with ants, fly eggs, or maggots; or in danger from a predator, simply observe the little one at a distance for one to two hours. Visit our website to get more information on what to do if you find a baby bird.
Fiction
Correct!
Most birds have a very poor sense of smell. But the truth is, not all baby birds on the ground need to be rescued. Some are learning to fly while mama is nearby watching. Unless the baby bird is wet; cold; injured; covered with ants, fly eggs, or maggots; or in danger from a predator, simply observe the little one at a distance for one to two hours. Visit our website to get more information on what to do if you find a baby bird.
2
Dogs and cats are completely colorblind.
Fact
It’s fiction!
Your dog and/or cat can see color—just not as well as you do. Dogs can see blue and yellow; other colors may appear to them as shades of blue or yellow, or as gray. That’s why your dog may have trouble locating that green tennis ball in the grass. Yellow or blue toys would show up best. The jury is still out on exactly what colors cats can see. Some think they see only blue and gray, while others believe they can see yellow as well.
Fiction
Correct!
Your dog and/or cat can see color—just not as well as you do. Dogs can see blue and yellow; other colors may appear to them as shades of blue or yellow, or as gray. That’s why your dog may have trouble locating that green tennis ball in the grass. Yellow or blue toys would show up best. The jury is still out on exactly what colors cats can see. Some think they see only blue and gray, while others believe they can see yellow as well.
3
Cow’s milk is bad for kittens.
Fact
Correct!
If you have a litter of unweaned kittens on your hands, do not give them cow’s milk! They are lactose intolerant, and it will make them sick and can be life-threatening. Your best bet is to work with someone experienced in helping neonatal kittens, and they will suggest a commercially produced kitten milk replacer. Fun fact: Many adult cats don’t digest milk very well, even though they usually love it. The milk in the bottom of your cereal bowl may mean an upset tummy later!
Fiction
That’s a fact!
If you have a litter of unweaned kittens on your hands, do not give them cow’s milk! They are lactose intolerant, and it will make them sick and can be life-threatening. Your best bet is to work with someone experienced in helping neonatal kittens, and they will suggest a commercially produced kitten milk replacer. Fun fact: Many adult cats don’t digest milk very well, even though they usually love it. The milk in the bottom of your cereal bowl may mean an upset tummy later!
4
It’s normal for a mother rabbit to leave her babies alone for hours at a time.
Fact
Correct!
Every year, many baby rabbits are brought into wildlife centers unnecessarily by people who think they’ve been abandoned. The fact is, mother rabbits only nurse their babies for a few minutes at a time, usually during the night or early morning. And by the time they’re two or three weeks old, they’re beginning to fend for themselves. The good news is, if the kids picked up a cute “abandoned” baby bunny in the yard, you can put it right back where you found it and the mother will accept it again.
Fiction
Totally true!
Every year, many baby rabbits are brought into wildlife centers unnecessarily by people who think they’ve been abandoned. The fact is, mother rabbits only nurse their babies for a few minutes at a time, usually during the night or early morning. And by the time they’re two or three weeks old, they’re beginning to fend for themselves. The good news is, if the kids picked up a cute “abandoned” baby bunny in the yard, you can put it right back where you found it and the mother will accept it again.
5
Dogs can eat fruits like grapes, watermelon, and apples.
Fact
The answer is, yes and no.
Definitely NO on grapes (and raisins), which are toxic and can cause acute kidney failure and death. A little bit of apple or applesauce is a sweet treat your dog may love, but avoid the seeds—they contain trace amounts of cyanide that aren’t dangerous to us but can be harmful in a dog’s smaller body. Watermelon is a good summer treat but avoid the seeds, rind, and skin, all of which can cause intestinal blockages. And of course, moderation is the key! There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Fiction
The answer is, yes and no.
Definitely NO on grapes (and raisins), which are toxic and can cause acute kidney failure and death. A little bit of apple or applesauce is a sweet treat your dog may love, but avoid the seeds—they contain trace amounts of cyanide that aren’t dangerous to us but can be harmful in a dog’s smaller body. Watermelon is a good summer treat but avoid the seeds, rind, and skin, all of which can cause intestinal blockages. And of course, moderation is the key! There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
