CH, I've got one that does that, too, and it makes no sense at all...never have figured it out. The only thing I can think of is mine doesn't like sharing the bowl, so maybe she's trying to cover up the others' scents, or she's trying to spread her own to keep them away?

I had twin male cats, one of whom has passed on. They both would scoop their dry food out, one kibble at a time, as though the bowl just wasn't good enough to eat from; made them seem so dainty for being such big fellahs!