Why does my cat insist I watch him eat

[blissfulllife]

Just that really. Our older cat died a few months ago. And although when he was alive they literally ignored each other 99% of the time and the other 1% they would fight, he seems to be really missing him. Lots of meowing around the house for now obvious reason. Wants our company a lot more. And now he'll only eat if one of us is stood behind him. If we walk off he stops eating and follows us. What's got into him? Any ideas?

Protection?

It’S a protection thing, they are most vulnerable when eating.

My friends cat does it. Except I’m the only twat that sits with her when she eats, she miaows at me and I then go and sit with her. She then comes and sits with me whilst I eat. I kid you not. 😂

Separation anxiety? Now his companion has gone hes worried you'll leave too?

Isn't it that animals feel vulnerable when they eat or something? Or am I making that up?

I've heard it called social eating - one of ours does it. He will eat with his best friend but prefers human company. I'm resigned to the fact I'm going to spend hours of my life just watching him eat

No it’s about safety and protection there’s loads of articles on line about it, it’s a very common occurance.

Thanks everyone x

Wow I have two cats and my tabby is like this. I never really understood it but that makes sense (sort of 😂 )

Definitely about protection. My Dcat recently woke me up to follow her downstairs and watch her eat. She finished, head butted me and then went back out to the garden.

I've got a former semi-feral who only eats with a human present. She has food in 3 rooms including my bedroom-come-study.