Updated at 5:43 pm.

A kitchen fire on the 6200 block of New Hope Road Tuesday evening claimed the lives of 13 rescue cats, which firefighters attempted to save with pet-sized oxygen masks.

One two-day-old kitten showed signs of life and was rushed to Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center in Central Point.

"She's progressing in the right direction," said Craig Lassen, director of operations at SOSVC. "She's getting a lot of love and support."

Lassen was unable to give News 10 more information about the extent of the kitten's injuries and recovery because she is currently in the custody of Josephine County Animal Control, but he said she is classified as a neonate: a very young baby kitten.

He said the staff is optimistic about her recovery, referring to her as "Josephine," referencing the county in which she was found.

Rural Metro Fire reported their first arriving units on the scene of the fire in New Hope and found flames consuming the kitchen of the house, filling the building with thick smoke.

Assisted by a Grants Pass Fire crew, the firefighters put out the flames and searched the house for occupants.

The owners of the house were not home, but firefighters discovered 14 cats, many of them kittens, 13 of which had been recently taken into the home as rescues.

Firefighters and medics from American Medical Rescue worked to revive the cats, who were suffering from severe smoke inhalation. They delivered the medical oxygen to the cats and kittens using special masks designed for pets. Only the tiny, two-day-old kitten survived.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Lassen said considering pet needs is essential as Southern Oregonians prepare for wildfire season.

Animals like cats succumb to injuries related to heat and smoke inhalation in the same way as humans, only their quick movements and fur can cause injuries to their paws and underbellies as they try to escape burning buildings.

"There's often a problem of indoor-outdoor cats not being located when someone is trying to evacuate," Lassen pointed out. "Indoors only is what we recommend. I know that's not a reality for everyone, but it's the best way to ensure you can find your cat."

Lassen recommends having a supply of every pet's food, medical records and extra medication handy in case of an evacuation.