This story contains graphic descriptions of animal cruelty, which some readers may find upsetting. Reader discretion is advised.

A Long Beach man was immediately sentenced to one year in a live-in mental health and substance abuse program and three years of formal probation after pleading no contest Monday to one felony count of killing a rescue cat in Redondo Beach, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Sergei Andreevic Smirnoff, 23, will also have to take 48 animal cruelty prevention classes and was ordered not to own or possess any animals for 10 years.

According to Deputy District Attorney Juree Kim, on December 14, 2014, Smirnoff got a cat for his girlfriend but claimed it did not get along with her other cats.

The defendant then took the cat named Roxy into the garage, kissed and caressed it and allegedly kicked Roxy, picked her up and caressed and kissed her again, Kim said.

He then allegedly choked Roxy while sticking his fingers in her mouth and then slammed her down on the ground, killing her. The defendant caressed and kissed that cat again and placed it into a box with blankets, Kim added.

Smirnoff can be sentenced to two years in county jail if he violates his probation or the rules of his treatment program.

The case was investigated by the Redondo Beach Police Department.

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.