I think I accidentally trained my cat not to eat until she has been pet. I've recently noticed that my 1yr old Maincoon mix will follow me, even to the other rooms, after I pour her food into her bowl. She'll meow, bob her head, and scratch things until I pet her, only then will she eat.
I originally did this when she was still a few weeks old because I didn't want her to be too spicy about her food. I found her outside hiding under a shed, at a past job I used to work at, so I knew she was scared and she growled at me the first time I tried this. I kept this going to let her know she was in a safe space. Eventually it just became a habit for the both of us.
I don't mind this at all it's adorable but it is harmful to her in anyway? Mentally or physically?