A Washington County man was arrested on Monday for allegedly shooting a cat.

Christian A. Nichols, 23, of Putnam, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated cruelty to animals.

Troopers received a complaint on Nov. 24 regarding a missing cat and the owner thought it had been hurt on purpose.

The investigation determined that Nichols, who knew the cat’s owner, killed the animal. The cat was found dead with an apparent gunshot wound and other injuries near its home. Troopers found a long gun and illegal expandable Billy Club in Nichols home, State Police said.

Nichols was arrested in Glens Falls and sent to the State Police station in Granville for processing. He was arraigned in Granville Town Court and released on his recognizance.