A neighborhood fixture in San Francisco’s Mission District is gone after a Waymo self-driving vehicle reportedly struck KitKat, a well-known bodega cat who spent his days near the entrance of Randa’s Market at 16th and Valencia streets.
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A Neighborhood Fixture
KitKat had become something of a local celebrity in the Mission District, known for lounging near Randa’s Market and gaining a following through social media accounts dedicated to bodega cats. When the market shared news of his death online, the community response was immediate, with flowers and photos left at the scene as neighbors and longtime customers mourned the loss.
What Happened
According to reports from the scene, a Waymo autonomous vehicle struck KitKat while he was near the curb outside the market. Waymo has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the specific circumstances of the incident.
Renewed Scrutiny for Autonomous Vehicles
The incident has reignited conversations about how autonomous vehicle systems perform in unpredictable urban environments, where pedestrians, cyclists, and animals can behave unpredictably. Waymo, operated by Alphabet, has continued expanding its driverless vehicle fleet in cities including San Francisco, with safety as a central part of its public messaging. Incidents involving pets and other animals raise additional questions about how well autonomous systems detect and respond to smaller, less predictable obstacles compared to other vehicles or pedestrians.
A Loss Felt by the Community
For many in the neighborhood, KitKat’s death represents more than the loss of a pet, he had become part of the character of the block. Randa’s Market and nearby residents are left adjusting to his absence as the community continues processing the loss.