Beloved Corner-Store Cat KitKat Dies After Being Struck by Waymo Robotaxi
San Francisco is mourning the loss of KitKat, a beloved corner-store cat who passed away after being struck by a Waymo robotaxi last week. KitKat was a staple at Randa’s Market on 16th Street, near the historic Roxie Theater in the Mission District, where he would often play with customers, sleep in front of shelves, and even dress up as Santa Claus.
KitKat first gained fame on the store’s Instagram page six years ago, quickly winning over the hearts of customers with his affectionate and playful personality. He became a local celebrity, with over 500,000 followers on the @bodegacatsofinstagram account, and was even featured in a news story on beloved store cats. According to Daniel Zeidan, the store owner’s son, “The atmosphere in the store definitely changed after KitKat arrived,” and customers would often bring him treats and gifts, including a blanket to keep him warm in the winter.
A Life of Comfort and Joy
KitKat lived a life of comfort and joy, often curling up on his own heating pad and making appearances at the next-door bar, Dalva, where his arrival would feel like “the president had arrived, making their rounds, shaking hands and charming everyone.” He was a beloved presence in the community, and his passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Unfortunately, KitKat’s life was cut short when he was fatally wounded by a Waymo robotaxi outside the market on October 27. Two witnesses reported seeing KitKat sitting in front of a stopped self-driving Waymo for about seven seconds before the cat walked under the vehicle, heading toward the sidewalk, as the car pulled away. The right rear tire ran over KitKat, causing fatal injuries. A bartender from a nearby bar rushed KitKat to a veterinarian hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A Statement from Waymo
In a statement, Waymo expressed their deepest sympathies to KitKat’s owner and the community, stating that “while our vehicle was stopped to pick up passengers, a nearby cat darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away.” Waymo also announced that they would be making a donation to a local animal rights organization in KitKat’s honor, emphasizing that “the trust and safety of the communities we serve is our highest priority.”
This incident is not the first time a Waymo has been involved in a collision with a pet. In 2023, a Waymo struck and killed a small off-leash dog in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. However, in a separate incident in May, a Waymo narrowly avoided running over a runaway dog in Santa Monica, thanks to its quick braking action.
Expansion of Waymo Services
Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has been expanding its footprint across California, with robotaxis available in San Francisco, northern San Mateo County, and parts of Silicon Valley and Los Angeles County. The self-driving cars can be hailed on an app, and Waymo has been working to improve its safety features and avoid accidents like the one that claimed KitKat’s life.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there have been 884 reported collisions involving autonomous vehicles since 2014. As Waymo continues to expand its services, it is essential for the company to prioritize safety and take steps to prevent accidents like the one that killed KitKat.
KitKat will be deeply missed by the community, and his memory will live on through the countless photos and stories shared about him on social media. For more information on this story, visit Here.
KitKat was a beloved presence along 16th Street in San Francisco.
(Randa’s Market)
