but too afraid to do anything!!
(http://i.imgur.com/p8tSuXK.jpg)
I used to take our dogs to training classes with a lady who had a fine menagerie of animals including cats who weren't afraid of dogs and even one that could bully a Rhodesian Ridgeback. There were pigs and ponies who walked to heel and played football with the dogs.
There were also hens and a thingy and, since we're out in the country where such critters can be met on walks, the dogs would be taught which end to approach to get acqainted - the tail - and which to avoid because it was potentaly dangerous - the beak and claws.
I expect your cats will work it out but beware. We used to have a cat who was very good at rounding up pheasants when they visited our garden and would get them in a tight group around which she circled, no doubt wondering what to do next. Stupid birds, pheasants.