Waymo Acknowledges Robotaxi Killed San Francisco Cat

KitKat, a nine-year-old shop cat and longtime mascot of Randa’s Market in San Francisco’s Mission District, was struck and killed late Monday night, prompting a growing sidewalk memorial and community mourning. Multiple witnesses and a 311 complaint say the cat was on or next to the sidewalk near the transit lane when a Waymo robotaxi stopped to pick up passengers and then pulled away without apparently slowing or attempting to avoid the animal. Waymo issued a statement acknowledging the vehicle’s involvement, saying the cat "darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away," expressing sympathy and pledging a donation to a local animal-rights organization. Neighbors and the store owner criticized Waymo and called for stronger safety measures, saying the incident underscores local unease about autonomous vehicles. The episode has renewed debate over AV safety amid a record of reported self-driving collisions in California, including past incidents involving animals.