My Mindy wants to eat several times a day, and she lets me know when
that is by trying to grab my leg and drag me over to her bowl.  It
doesn't work; she's too small a kitty.  But I go feed her anyway.

No matter how much is in her bowl from earlier, she wants some more, so
I give her a teaspoon or so of her hard food.  I suspect the food has a
stronger odor right out of the bag than after sitting out a few hours.

But then comes the best part:  usually -- not quite always -- after I
put food in her bowl, she gives it a quick glance, then looks up at me
from the counter where her bowl sits, and I put my face down next to
hers and she gives me a little nose-rub, and purrs for me.  Then she'll
turn and begin eating.

I have a kitty who says "Thank you" when I feed her.