The Kanima's Master shares a psychic bond with the shapeshifter. Both of them form, implement and solidify their supernatural bond by pressing the palms of their hands together.
The Master can communicate with the shapeshifter telepathically, he can sense his servant from miles away, as well as speak through the Kanima by a use of mental projection.
When Jackson Whittemore and Matt Daehler touched their palms at the time of Shape-Shifted, the kanima shared it's memory of killing Mr. Lahey with his master.
The supernatural bond between the master and servant causes the phobias of the Master to be shared with the Kanima. In his kanima shape, Jackson shared Matt's fear of water, though in his human guise he's a natural swimmer. The Master's personality will also affect the bond influencing the kanima servant's behaviour.
In Master Plan, Gerard easily found where Jackson was taken, because he could sense his servant's location so to lead Derek into a trap.
In Raving, Matt spoke through Jackson referring to him and Jackson: "We're here."