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Two cats are dead, and four others are missing following a house fire on Chedoke Avenue in east Hamilton yesterday. The owners of the house are involved in animal rescue groups in the city and had 14 cats living with them.

Margaret and Jim Strecker owned eight cats and were fostering six others. Margaret volunteers with Pride Rescue, and the Hamilton Burlington Humane Society.

“I do just about anything that has to do with saving a cats life or finding a cat a home.”

Although firefighters rescued cat after cat, unfortunately, they couldn’t save them all.

“We lost two cats. One died in the fire, the other died at the clinic.”

Four others got out of the house, but haven’t been found.

“There are four that got out of the house, and out there somewhere, and we don’t know where.”

Some of her cats are being cared for at the Mohawk Animal Clinic.

“With the exception of one, they’re all in great shape. The last one is on oxygen and pain medication.”

Margaret’s been involved in cat rescues for close to 12 years and others in that community are rallying around her with support.

“You have no idea how much it means to know how many people support me and the animals, and Jim as well.”

Every dollar that’s donated to Margaret’s cats will be matched by the Mohawk Animal Clinic.