I truly believe that some cats & dogs & horses & all animals that are connected to humans have some level of that connected love feeling. I know that I have had soulmate level of connection with one cat (Gabe) & 2 of my dogs (Leo & now Cote). The other ones I have connected to but not at the same level.
I was with Leo his whole life & he started off with me different than all the other eskies I had bred & kept & he wouldn't leave my side.
Gabe kitty showed up on my farm 6 months after I lost Leo & I seriously DID NOT want a cat but go figure, he picked me to be his mommy & we have a bond & he is so different from any cat I have ever had. He showed a love for me that really connected with my broken heart after losing Leo.
Cote is hillarious. I gate him out of my bedroom cause it is my cats safe haven....so he sleeps right at the gate. In the morning (or anytime) when I have to go to the bathroom, he doesn't just follow me in there, he uses that time to wrap his legs around my neck & snuggle with me. I kiss his head & give him hugs back & he will kiss me back.
It is interesting because only Leo, Gabe & Cote show major concern when I get sick with a bad cough or Leo thought something was really wrong with me when I layed down on the floor to get his older sister out from under my bed.
I know I initially had a wonderful connection with my horse Izzy because when I was treating her strangles illness I hit a spot that hurt her. She slammed me into the pipe rails a couple of times then just froze looking at me. She let me get her lead rope free then came over & nuzzled me to make sure I was ok.
I know it is not just our behaviors toward rhe animals but it is a connection of our personalities that create that kind of live bond that is there with some & not with others.