I think it's individual.  Miss Pua doesn't usually "drink" water, per se.
She sticks her foot in her glass and licks the water off.  Tyrone is a
constant lick, lick and Chloe doesn't drink much at all.  Funny, how I never
thought about it, but without turning around, I can tell which cat is in
which water glass just by the individual sounds.  Oh, and yes, we don't use
a bowl; my cats drink from glasses.  A bowl would be beneath them and that's
just unheard of.  They have to drink the way we hoooomans do.  :~)

kili
--
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kilikini

I've never taken much notice, but now I will watch my two and report back!

Tweed

Don't underestimate the feline tongue! Their tongues are covered with
little tiny protrusions that act as cups when they lick water (or moist
meat). I think they can actually get a good amount of water in a lick.

Most cats I've had drink water by doing the lick lick lick lick thing.
It's so cute to watch. I do know some cats dip their paws into water
and then lick the paw, but none of mine have done that.

Joyce

Not sure of the rhythm, but Jake really has to work at getting a drink.   He
lost part of his tongue several years ago and the vet had to do "plastic
surgery" to try to preserve what was left.  Then we all prayed a lot that he
would still be able to eat and drink.  It takes him about five minutes to
get a drink of water.   The tip of his tongue doesn't make a little cup
anymore.

Jo

In <1166370381.545559.196780@j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
Lisa Katt <lisakatt99@hotmail.com> shouted to everyone in earshot,

Grizzly is my quickest lapper and loudest swallower.  I think she does
3-4 laps per swallow.  not sure about my boys--they're slow and quiet,
and I rarely notice them drinking.  Buck often drinks from the spout
of the Drinkwell, and all the splashing that creates drowns out her
lapping and swallowing.

Aw, I saw the title and thought maybe you had found a successor to Hugo
Katt... But to your question; yes, I've seen cats do that, though maybe
not always five licks and a swallow. The number of licks between each
swallow can vary.

Persia actually drinks quite a lot.  She adores her Drinkwell fountain and
will lap up that running water for what sometimes seems like forever :)

Jill

Things a little slow around your place lately? :)