@dmey:
He will chase but cats can defend and I would worry more about damage to senji by the cats!!!
That was my theory when we first moved to the farm with two Basenjis. Farm "came with" a barn cat that was used to two large dogs. "Minnie" was sitting up on a window ledge when the girls spotted her. Lady, the older Basenji who had very much of a "live & let live" attitude, wasn't bothered about the cat, but Tamu wanted very much to go after it. I was younger then, and foolish, so I thought, "let her find out that cats can defend themselves" and let go of the leash. I expected a mad rush to the wall just below the window, and then perhaps some jumping which the cat would likely counter with a swat. Both the cat and I underestimated the Basenji. Tamu ran to the wall, all right, but didn't stop. In one smooth leap she grabbed the cat's tail and yanked. A blur of fur, and the cat went up a nearby tree, unhurt but nerves rattled somewhat. Tamu was also unscathed, and I had learned my lesson! (they went on to tolerate each other, although there was little love lost on either side.)
Moral of the story: Expect the unexpected!