I have 12 cats and 2 dogs. They had to learn to get along because I have a small house. The cats have a room of their own and a gate that they can get through but the dogs can't. This way the cats have a safe haven to run to if they get scared.

My dogs are not small; one is a chow/Belgian shepherd and the other is a Polish sheepdog. At first, the dogs wanted to chase the cats, but after a couple of hisses and swats, decided it wasn't a good idea. The dogs ignore the cats, except when the cats decide to rub against them. Then its just a sniff or two and they all go their separate ways.

Your cats are understandably afraid of the dogs. If your dogs are young and hyper, the cats are even more scared. Give the cats a way to come downstairs when they are ready. And help them by teaching your dogs that these are not toys to chase.