Howell police say that they are looking for the person responsible for shooting a cat with what is believed to be a small, hand-held crossbow.

Officers were notified around 6:15 p.m. Monday about an injured animal. They found a cat that had been shot with an arrow, and took the animal to a veterinary hospital.

The cat underwent surgery to remove the arrow. Authorities said Friday that the animal is recovering well.

Police say that it is believed that the cat is a community cat and had been fairly well cared for prior to the incident.

Anyone who may have information about the incident should contact the Monmouth County Animal Cruelty Hotline at 877-898-7297.

This is the second time in recent times that a cat has been shot with an arrow in New Jersey.

Police in Warren County say that a cat had been shot and killed with an arrow near the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Knowlton last month.

A motive for either incident is currently unknown.