Kitkat: Death of Beloved Store Cat Puts Robotaxi Operator Under Pressure

In San Francisco’s Mission District, the nine-year-old cat “KitKat,” known as the mascot of “Randa’s Market,” was struck and killed by an autonomous vehicle operated by Waymo. The company confirmed the incident and expressed its “deepest sympathy.”

On October 27, 2025, KitKat was reportedly hit by a Waymo robotaxi. According to an official statement, the vehicle had just begun to move after picking up passengers: “while our vehicle was stopped to pick up passengers, a nearby cat darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away.” Store owner Mike Zeidan said he and his wife were notified when employees reported the injured animal. Despite immediate veterinary care, KitKat died, according to media reports.

The cat was popular in the neighborhood and was jokingly referred to as the “Mayor of 16th Street.” After her death, residents created an impromptu memorial in front of the market with flowers, candles, and farewell messages. At the same time, criticism arose about the operation of autonomous vehicles in residential areas. City council member Jackie Fielder announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow municipalities to regulate or ban the use of robotaxis locally.

Experts point out that autonomous vehicles – including those made by Waymo – currently lack sensors capable of reliably detecting objects under the vehicle.
Waymo did not accept responsibility in its statement but offered to make a donation to an animal welfare organization.

The case illustrates the delicate balance between robotics, urban traffic, and public sentiment. On one hand, autonomous mobility promises greater safety and fewer human errors. On the other, it exposes gaps — such as the detection of small living beings, accountability, and public acceptance in residential areas.

Yet one question remains: would a human driver have noticed the cat that had crawled beneath the vehicle after it stopped?

Summary (tl;dr)

• A Waymo robotaxi ran over and killed the store cat KitKat in San Francisco.
• The vehicle had just started moving at the moment of impact.
• Residents responded with grief and criticism — a memorial was set up in front of the store.
• Local politicians are calling for stronger regulations on autonomous vehicles.
• Current technology appears unable to detect objects underneath vehicles.