My dog is so compassionate around my cats...who are ancient, he never growls at them for sleeping on his dog bed, play with his tail or rub up against his head, which for some odd reason they do, even the feral cat who most people don't even realize I own two cats as he hides if anyone else comes around. He was born feral in garage next door, I took him in as a kitten when he decided I was more favorable to be around on the fourth of July then outside with the fireworks, but outside of the dog I am his one and only trusted friend...as the other cat is much like you, you have to be granted permission to approach/pet...it is also he who manages to sneak out of the door every once in awhile though she knows she is to old to be defending herself against other felines anymore...which is why I think I often find her curled in a sunspot on the porch not far from the dog....whose (obviously) granted the dog the right to be her body guard.