Tainted pet food claims?

Our cat has just been determined to have renal kidney disease.  He is a ragdoll, 6 years old and he used to eat cat food from the recalled tainted pet food from China. From what I researched on the internet, a class action lawsuit was filed and a settlement of 24 million was designated for pet owners who were affected.  The deadline was November 24, 2008 to file a claim. ???? What happens to all the pet owners who have just found out that there pets were affected from the imported pet food problem?  Will we be able to file a claim  or will we have to sit and watch our beloved pet die with no compensation for vet bills.  Our bill has totaled about $900.00 so far.