Lost my darling cat this time last year, was so distraught but on a few occasions I have felt him on my lap and heard his collar bell, he adored me and I him, I know that he is still with me, love like we had doesn't just disappear
I have a 1 year old cat and I never see her drinking from the water bowls in house or sink/bathtub, but when I tasked a glass of water to bed at night she will drink from that!! Might be worth a try