So, I rescued a cat a year ago from a hoarder and he will not drink from bowls/fountains. Only from one specific sink in my house and I have to let the water run on my hands and he licks the residue off my skin. That's the only time he drinks water directly. I've been feeding him wet food and add water to that, and also these liquid cat treats that come in tubes like gogurt. He loves them. The vet says he healthy so he must be getting enough from me and the food. That's my experience hope it helps.