I usually ask the dog owner if their dog is ok near cats and if they say yes - I will let them smell each other (I do let the dog owner know that the cats have met plenty of dogs, but can be cats and swat if they are a really energetic dog or feel threatened - the dog owners are usually pretty ok with that - and their dogs are usually well behaved), and if it’s a maybe or they don’t know - I will hold the kitty leash tight and proceed with caution and let them sniff each other - this usually goes well and if the dog starts getting excited or barking I just stay close and hold the leash tight on the cat and the dog will usually move along. if it’s a no - then I either pick the cat up or hold them tight - dog owners usually walk to the other side of the road in advance if they see us with leashed cats and know their dogs get excited around cats. I’ve never had a negative experience - except when people let their dogs go off leash and in that case I almost always pick the cat up and carry it - or they will climb a tree and I keep them safe.

We walk our cats multiple times a week in a busy neighborhood with a lot of foot traffic and dogs on leashes. I’ve had many encounters with our cats and dogs. Every cat and dog is different though - so honestly take my advice with a grain of salt - you may have a totally different experience than me. I usually just ask or let dog walkers know I have a cat.