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KitKat, a nine-year-old tabby known around San Francisco’s Mission District as the “Mayor of 16th Street,” was killed by a Waymo vehicle outside Randa’s Market on October 27, 2025. The collision drew grief from neighbors and renewed scrutiny of how driverless cars are overseen in the city.
What happened to KitKat
KitKat was a familiar presence at Randa’s Market in the Mission District. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that he was nine years old. Daniel Zeidan, part of the market’s family, told The Guardian that neighbors called him “the mayor of 16th Street.”
On October 27, 2025, a Waymo struck and killed KitKat outside the market. Waymo’s account, reported by The Guardian, was that the car had stopped to pick up passengers and that “a nearby cat darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away.” That is the company’s explanation, not an independent finding about how the collision occurred.
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In a January 29, 2026 report, the Los Angeles Times described video showing KitKat under the vehicle for several seconds before it pulled away and killed him. The paper also described a woman trying to lure him to safety. This later account added detail that critics cited when questioning Waymo’s explanation; the reporting reviewed here does not establish a separate official investigation finding.
#1 Best Overall
- Size(L*W*H):3.3*2.5*3.7cm/1.3*0.98*1.46inch.
- Hand Made: Each one of these cat is carefully carved from wood and hand-painted to match nature’s beauty.Fine workmanship and lifelike cat statue.These small animal carvings are an amazing value for the high quality work that goes into making them.
- Material:High quality wood, Handmade,durable for a long time, easy to clean.
- Decoration: Fine workmanship and lifelike statue is a way to beautify your personal space, perfect decoration for office and home decor.Bring you a new feeling and good mood.
- Gift:It is a beautiful gift for friends or family and personal collection.They can serve as home decor, gifts, cake topper, and so much more.
Why his death became a flashpoint
KitKat’s death became more than an individual traffic tragedy because it involved a driverless vehicle operating in a neighborhood where residents knew and cared for the cat. Coverage in early November described mourning, tributes, a memorial and growing criticism of robotaxis. The Guardian reported that Waymo offered condolences and said it had donated to a local animal-rights organization in KitKat’s honor. The company also said “trust and the safety of the communities we serve is our highest priority.”
The dispute also exposed a question about who gets to shape robotaxi deployment: state regulators seeking consistent rules, or local communities seeking a stronger say over whether driverless vehicles operate on their streets. The incident prompted scrutiny of Waymo’s account and of the broader oversight framework, but the available reporting does not establish a fleet-wide safety rate or collision total tied to this case.
Rank #2
- CAT FIGURINE TOY SET: There are 12pcs cat figurines for kids in one set (2 Ragdolls Cats, 2 Norwegian Forest Cats, 2 Persian Cats, 2 Oriental Shorthair Cats, 2 Siamese Cats and 2 Garfield Cats). Each cat between 1 to 3inches in length.
- EMULATION HAND PAINTED DETAIL: This collection of small cat figures features a cute face and childish eyes together with very realistic detailing. The cats are vivid due to their distinctively molded textures and beautifully painted characteristics. And every single cat stands up quite nicely. Kids would like to spend more time observing and playing with them.
- EDUCATIONAL CAT TOY FIGURINES: These miniature cats were excellent for crafts, imaginative play, party favors, school projects. It will support the training of children's imagination and creativity. The parent-child bond will be strengthened if parents read their children stories about cats joyful lives.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: EYSCOTA animals toy is crafted from premium, durable PVC plastic, making it even more sturdy and long-lasting. Animal figurines made by EYSCOTA are intended to be higher-quality and more lifelike.
- MULTI PURPOSE GIFT: These realistic and varied plastic cats are great for collection and decorating children's bookcases, desks, and rooms. It would be a great idea to use them as the cat cake decorations. Because it comes with exquisite packaging, it will be a great birthday gift or prize for children over 3 years old.
What local-control proposal followed
On November 5, 2025, Axios reported that San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder introduced a resolution urging state leaders to let counties decide whether driverless vehicles could operate in their communities. It was a proposal, not evidence that counties received that authority or that the measure became law.
The debate involves competing priorities rather than a settled answer. Statewide rules can provide a consistent framework, while local control could give residents more influence over deployment in their communities. The sources establish that this disagreement formed part of the response to KitKat’s death; they do not resolve how those priorities should be balanced.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- FIVE DISTINCT CAT POSES - Sitting, looking up, reclining, stretching, and rolling designs turn an ordinary desk or shelf into a playful black cat display. Arrange all five together or spread them across small spaces.
- BIG-EYE BLACK CAT LOOK - Glossy yellow-ring eyes and sculpted fur-like detail give every figurine an expressive look that stands out on a monitor edge, bookshelf, office desk, or bedside table.
- COMPACT 3D PRINTED DECOR - Made from black PLA with a layered 3D printed finish. Depending on the pose, the listed dimensions span approximately 2.5-4.8 cm / 0.98-1.89 in.
- PLACE ON CLEAN, FLAT SURFACES - Ten adhesive dots are included for optional placement. Clean and dry the surface first, apply a dot to the base, then press the cat gently into position.
- PACKAGE AND USE CLARITY - Includes five PLA cat figurines and ten adhesive dots. Suitable for home, office, study, and carefully positioned dashboard accents. For adult decorative use only; contains small parts.
Rank #3
- THE LITTLE PAINTER: A little artist cat in a brown beret, finished in hand-painted style, stands beside a mini easel holding her cat portrait - a tiny studio scene full of personality
- ONE CAT, ONE EASEL: Keep them together as a creative desk scene, or set the easel beside your own art supplies for a workspace that smiles back
- SOLID RESIN DUO, HAND-PAINTED STYLE: Cat and easel are both cast in solid resin with a smooth finish - careful details from whiskers to palette, sturdy and odor-free for lasting display
- SIZE REFERENCE: Painter cat about 1 x 1.2 x 2 in, easel about 1.3 x 1.3 x 2.1 in; fits desks, shelves, bookcases and cabinets
- A GIFT FOR CAT AND ART LOVERS: A fun surprise for the artist in your life - birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or just because
Timeline
- October 27, 2025: KitKat was fatally struck by a Waymo outside Randa’s Market.
- November 2–5, 2025: Local and national reporting described neighborhood mourning, tributes, a memorial and criticism.
- November 5, 2025: Axios reported Fielder’s proposed resolution seeking county choice over driverless-vehicle operations.
- January 29, 2026: The Los Angeles Times reported video details that critics used to question Waymo’s account.
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