US EditionSan Francisco Mourns Mission District Bodega Cat Killed by Waymo Robotaxi
KitKat, the 'Mayor of 16th Street,' was struck by a Waymo vehicle that cannot detect objects under it, sparking community mourning and protests near Randa’s Market.
- On Oct. 27, KitKat, a 9-year-old grey tabby cat at Randa's Market, was run over by a Waymo robotaxi and died despite Mike Zeidan rushing him to a veterinarian.
- A Waymo spokesperson said the vehicle was stopped to pick up passengers when a nearby cat darted under it as it pulled away.
- Witnesses said the robotaxi failed to brake or swerve when the cat was struck, and an anonymous complaint filed with the city's 311 system alleged the vehicle missed small animals in the dark.
- Neighbors created a sidewalk memorial with flowers and candy outside Randa's Market, while Waymo expressed sympathy and said it will donate to a local animal rights organization.
- The episode has renewed scrutiny of robotaxi safety as companies expand services in U.S. cities, with the California Department of Motor Vehicles logging 884 autonomous-vehicle collision reports since 2014, including pet strikes involving Waymo.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Beloved Neighborhood Store Cat Named KitKat Killed by Self-Driving Taxi
A San Francisco community is in mourning after a beloved neighborhood store cat was allegedly hit and killed by a Waymo self-driving taxi. A 9-year-old cat named KitKat, who resided at Randa’s Market near the city's Mission Dolores, was allegedly run over by the self-driving car on Monday.
San Francisco Mourns 'Mayor of 16th Street' After Beloved Bodega Cat KitKat Fatally Struck by Waymo Robotaxi
SAN FRANCISCO (November 3, 2025) – In the heart of the Mission District, where the hum of late-night taquerias mingles with the buzz of autonomous vehicles, a quiet tragedy unfolded last week that has left a neighborhood in collective grief. KitKat, the nine-year-old gray tabby cat known affectionately as the "Mayor of 16th Street," was fatally struck by a Waymo self-driving taxi on Octo...
At the end of October, a self-contained Waymo car killed a cat in Mission Dolores. Having taken up residence in a grocery store, he had made a place in the hearts of many customers and neighbours.
‘He brought warmth, smiles, and comfort’: California neighborhood in mourning after local cat struck and killed by a Waymo robotaxi
The Mission District in San Francisco is grieving the death of a beloved communal cat named KitKat after he was struck by a Waymo driverless car. The tragic incident occurred on October 27, KitKat was found with fatal wounds around 11:40pm according to an article from Mission Local. Waymo later confirmed that one of its driverless vehicles had indeed been responsible for hitting the poor cat. A statement from the company went into more detail o…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
