Yes and no. It’s a circular relationship. The proverb is known to have already existed in Ancient Greece. The pantheon (the version that existed before Xerxes torched the place) was apparently inhabited by tons of owls, especially it’s roof construction. Since the pantheon was a temple to Athena, people assumed Athena held Owls holy and the owl became linked to Athena, and since Athena was the goddess of wisdom, Owls became a symbol of wisdom. Since the city and her patron goddess are related by name, Athens is linked to owls as well.
But for the meaning: It’s to be taken literally. There were many owls in Athens, so they’d not exactly need any more.
If you’re ever having children, there will be many things that are “a bit gross”, be it in pregnancy, during childbirth, after childbirth or just diapers.
She’ll (rightfully) expect you to deal with all that, right? If pimples are where the “that’s gross, not gonna do it” line is, things will get rough.