Cats have a biology that is supposed to extract the liquids they need from their prey. Their drinking is supplementary and opportunistic, so likely doesn't work through a sensation of thirst the way it does for us.
Cats who are fed dry kibble, do not drink enough, because of this. Dehydration related problems are by far the most common health issue with pet cats.
Flowing water devices, or even flavoring the water, to encourage cats to drink more, is a thing because of this.