More than grieving for the loss of all their material things they are mourning the loss of Snowbell who they believe may have died on their bed when the roof fell.

The couple lived in the maisonette on Ebert Street that caught fire a few hours after the adjoining house was saved by fire fighters, when a fault with their dryer started a blaze.

Revealing their tragedy yesterday, they said Snowbell often hid under the doona when she was scared, and could have been trapped after the ceiling fell.

Margaret said they have been living in the house for 12 years and Snowbell was part of the family.

She said a few clothes and household items were recovered from the house and she thanked neighbours for their help.

"We were there when the first fire started but after it was put out we left," Margaret said.

"I was house sitting for a friend and John had gone somewhere to fix a computer.

"In the afternoon when I heard the siren of the fire engine again I called John and told him to rush out to the house to check."

John said he was shocked and could not do much.

Recalling Snowbell, he said she was a different cat who loved to cuddle up and sit on his lap.

John said it was unfortunate that Snowbell could not escape through the doggy door.

The couple is living in a cabin at Sundowner Cabin and Tourist Park while waiting to be relocated to a Housing Trust home in Needlebush Street.