Waymo says cat shot under self-driving car before fatal crash in San Francisco

Waymo says its self-driving vehicle only hit a cat in San Francisco after the animal suddenly darted under it as the car started to drive away… TMZ has learned.

A company spokesperson tells TMZ… “The trust and safety of the communities we serve is our top priority. We reviewed this and while our vehicle was stopped to pick up passengers, a nearby cat darted under our vehicle as it drove away.”

The spokesperson continued… “We extend our deepest condolences to the cat’s owner and the community who knew and loved him, and we will be making a donation in his honor to a local animal rights organization.”