A way of walking when it's coming down cats and dogs (4)
I believe the answer is:
step
'a way' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "little walk?" , "Indian garment" , "Manner of walking" , "Tramp" , "Ladder rung; pace" .)