Cat at San Francisco Bodega Killed by Waymo Taxi

A beloved cat, known as Kit Kat, was reportedly killed by a Waymo driverless taxi in San Francisco, igniting further debate over these autonomous vehicles.

The friendly feline was well-loved by customers at Randa’s Market in the Mission District, where it was struck around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, according to the store owner, Mike Zeidan. “It’s really tough to say goodbye. He was unique, bringing joy to so many,” Zeidan shared, noting Kit Kat’s nickname, “Mayor of 16th Street.”

After the incident, an anonymous report made to the city’s 311 system indicated that Kit Kat was found beneath a parked self-driving car near the market early Tuesday morning.

The store clerk hurried the nine-year-old cat to a vet, but unfortunately, he could not be saved. The complaint mentioned that the Waymo vehicle did not slow down or make any attempt to avoid him.

“This place just won’t feel the same without him wandering around,” the store expressed in a tribute online.

Witness Jeff Klein recounted that he and a friend saw the Waymo lurch forward, followed by screams as people rushed to retrieve the cat from under the car. The 311 complaint also included a provocative statement suggesting that if a self-driving vehicle can’t spot small animals in the dark, it shouldn’t be on the streets.

Waymo has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the incident.

Zeidan mentioned that Kit Kat, originally a stray, had made Randa’s Market his home six years ago as a solution to a rat issue. He quickly became an adored figure among patrons and neighboring businesses.

“He was really a regular here,” Zeidan noted. “This shop is designed for everyone; it’s pet-friendly, even for dogs.”

Kit Kat often appeared on the store’s Instagram and was frequently mentioned in Yelp reviews, showcasing his popularity in the community.

Following his death, local residents created a memorial outside the 16th Street shopping area, voicing their anger towards Waymo’s vehicle. Signs read, “Kill Waymo! Save the cat!” and an onlooker shouted, “It’s not a killer car, it’s a kitten!”

Online tributes poured in as well, with many users expressing outrage. One wrote, “@waymo, your safety features don’t account for street animals. We demand a review of this accident.” Another lamented, “It won’t be the same asking, ‘Where’s Kit Kat?’ at the market anymore. I feel like destroying the next Waymo I see.”

Randa’s Market expressed gratitude to their customers who share a love for cats in a heartfelt post that included a photo of a gray cat.

Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an investigation into numerous Waymo self-driving cars due to reports of noncompliance with safety laws, especially around school buses.

Waymo has faced various challenges since its inception in San Francisco, including complaints about undue horn honking at dawn and taking off with tennis instructors’ equipment.

Owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company, Waymo operates thousands of robotaxis across major U.S. cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin, with plans for international expansion in the future.