I generally feel an immensely strong affinity to animals - more than I feel a connection to most humans.
Although I love all creatures great and small, I do feel a particularly strong affinity for birds.
This is most likely down to the fact I grew up with them. My father kept and bred various types of birds, and I was taught to appreciate their beauty.
It is not something I can formulate into words nor even fully understand, but I just feel a strong connection to them.

And, of course, my pets
The dogs, ferrets and now cat that I've had over the years I've loved as much as any other member of my family, they are as just a part of it to me. And my parents are equally as loving; perhaps it's rubbed off on me.

As for less of a connection, all I can really think of are insects.
I don't doubt most people dismiss them as animals of equal 'importance' as the likes of a cat or a dog, but they're still living creatures.
However, I cannot seem to get over my irrational fear of creepy crawlies!
I feel quite guilty about it actually, but like millions of others, whenever I see a spider I fly into a fit of tear inducing hysteria.
I wish I could control it, I just can't seem to get out of my head.

Perhaps one day