Speaking of animals and food oddities, my dog used to carry his food one mouthful at a time out to the living room so he could eat around us. He'd drop it on the floor and then leisurely eat it and go back for more.
The cat never sees you eat and is concerned. The dog carries his food out to you for roughly the same reason, he wants you to know he is eating and you should not worry about him. It's a social thing many animals do.
my guinea pig herdleader likes when everyone gets to eat a treat.
she didn't really get why the cat liked meatpaste, but she'd yell until I put out a treat for the cat.
I often grab a little something to eat while I sit next to the pen with them while they eat their veggies. it makes them feel like I am part of their little herd. i get all the positive reinforcement grooming and nuzzling affection.
she's just a little too greedy to give me her food, though.
In fairness, humans do this too. Ever share a meal where someone has already eaten? People find it extremely off-putting. It's to the point where pacing your eating to someone else will make them like you more