I've had this very experience several times (both with my cats and dogs).

There has to be some sort of connection between our minds and that of animals, especially under the influence of something as beautiful as cannabis.

After you smoke (make sure you're realllly blazed) sit down with an animal and just look at it. It's better if it's just you and it--no other distractions. You'll experience some very strange feelings. Staring into the eyes of something that is so different than us, though so very similar. A living, breathing creature. It's kind of crazy to think about.