SF’s Beloved Bodega Cat KitKat Dies in Waymo Incident

A vibrant San Francisco community in the Mission Dolores neighborhood is mourning the loss of KitKat, a cherished 9-year-old bodega cat. KitKat, a fixture at Randa’s Market, was allegedly struck and killed by a Waymo self-driving taxi earlier this week, sparking sadness and questions about autonomous vehicle safety.

A Neighborhood Icon Remembered

KitKat was more than just a store cat; he was a beloved member of the Mission Dolores community. Randa’s Market owner Mike Zeidan described him as “a one-of-a-kind cat” who “brought joy to so many people.” KitKat first arrived at the market six years ago as a stray, initially to help with rodents, and quickly became a “special guest,” known for his friendly demeanor with everyone, even dogs.

Rick Norris, director of publicity at the neighboring Roxie Theater, eloquently captured KitKat’s impact, stating that the cat “absolutely elevated the quality of life in our corner of the Mission.” His absence leaves a noticeable void in the bustling neighborhood.

The Tragic Incident

The fatal incident allegedly occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27. Zeidan and his wife were alerted by an employee from a nearby bar who witnessed the accident. They rushed KitKat to an animal hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A 311 complaint filed on Tuesday detailed the harrowing event, alleging that the Waymo vehicle “did not even try to stop and hit the cat at a fast speed.” The complaint further questioned the presence of autonomous vehicles on city streets, stating they “should not be on the street if they can’t spot small animals in the dark.” A witness, Jeff Klein, corroborated the scene, recalling a Waymo swerving and people yelling before grabbing the cat.

Community Outpouring and Broader Concerns

Following KitKat’s death, the community quickly rallied to honor him. A memorial, adorned with flowers, photos, candles, and even cans of Fancy Feast, has been set up outside Randa’s Market. Social media has also been flooded with tributes, with one Instagram commenter writing, “Rest in peace KitKat, you were the best bodega cat in the city 💔.”

This incident also reopens discussions around the safety and readiness of autonomous vehicles in urban environments. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has reported over 880 self-driving car collisions to date, with several involving animals. Notably, another Waymo vehicle struck and killed a dog in 2023. Waymo has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this latest incident.

FAQs About the KitKat Incident

• Who was KitKat?
  KitKat was a beloved 9-year-old bodega cat who lived at Randa’s Market in San Francisco’s Mission Dolores neighborhood, known for bringing joy to locals.
• What happened to KitKat?
  KitKat was allegedly struck and killed by a Waymo self-driving taxi on Monday, October 27, around 11:30 p.m., near Randa’s Market.
• What was the community’s reaction?
  The San Francisco community is in mourning, creating a memorial outside the market with flowers, photos, and candles. Many have expressed sadness and outrage on social media.
• Has Waymo commented on the incident?
  As of the article’s publication, Waymo had not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment regarding KitKat’s death.
• Is this an isolated incident involving Waymo and animals?
  No, the California DMV has reported over 880 self-driving car collisions, with several involving animals, including a previous instance where a Waymo struck and killed a dog in 2023.

As San Francisco continues to navigate the integration of autonomous vehicles, the tragic loss of KitKat serves as a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and transparent accountability from companies operating self-driving technology on our shared city streets.

SF Bodega Cat KitKat Dies in Waymo Incident