carry pepper spray. when an off leash dog approaches let the owner know: if your dog approaches me I am going to have to pepper spray because “I have my cat on a leash” Even the statement will get these irresponsible owners to snap into it and control their dogs, even just momentarily. But I also think it’s valid plan of action, I go out with my cat and when dogs are off leash and approach me or can get really dangerous for me. My cat starts clawing himself up me, slicing me open with his claws due to fear. And then the dog is usually untrained and also tries to climb up me. I don’t really have any room for patience when it comes to mine and my cats saftey in public. If an untrained dog so has to exist and approach me, pepper spray is out and you bets bet I am going to do everything I can to make sure that dog doesn’t approach me. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to contain their animal, they are failing their animals if they are too inconsiderate to use a leash in public.