Years ago, my wife and I adopted a couple of stray cats. The first didn't like the new cat a little and the second reacted typically. As luck would have it, I had an unused room and a glass storm door. I placed it in the door to keep them apart and and let the two posture, hiss and agress to their hearts content. It got old after a while and they just accepted each other since no matter what they did, the other didn't back down, not having to. I didn't know if it would work or not, and I am still not sure exactly why it did. Maybe they were just not really that commited to winning over companionship.
Has nothing to do with your current situation except to again show that it is difficult to figure out cats. If they do what you want, it is probably only because that is what they want to do, as far as I can see. Of course, all animals have their own personalities. Some cats are very afraid of dogs. Others immediately train all dogs they come across. Good luck.