CAT SICK AFTER SURGERY...

Before I start this question let me just say, it is a holiday weekend, I live in the middle of nowhere, and I have already called all the 'emergency vets' in the area.  There is only one available...three hours away...and I have a houseful of company showing up from out of the country in a few hours.  So I can't just pick up and leave.  So please, DO NOT tell me to 'go to the vet.'  I know that.  I want to do that as soon as my company arrives if he isn't better, I am just going to have to explain and go.  But that isn't my question, so please don't suggest that.  I KNOW.

Here's the problem.  Male cat 6 years old started throwing up regularily a couple of weeks ago.  My regular vet retired last year.  Took my cat to the vet who took over whom I am not too fond of.  That vet told me 'hairballs' and gave me laxatone.  Cat vomiting actually got worse after laxatone.  Same vet then took xrays after spending the morning re-hydrating kitty.  I was then told...based on two foggy xrays...lung cancer that has moved to his bowels.  He should be put down.

I didn't believe it since the cat had been happy and totally healthy up until that point.  No other signs of illness...just throwing up.

Took cat in to get second opinion the next day.  New vet ran blood tests...ALL NORMAL...had to re-do xrays due to the poor quality of the first vet's xrays, and did show an obstruction in the bowel.  I was given A/D food and fed him through a syringe.  Surgery went well.  No cancer.  Blockage removed.

Brought cat home.  Sore the first night but started to eat a little though he was 'leaking' some watery/black splotchy smelly stuff occasionally.  Vet said this was normal.  Gave him pain meds and antibiotics at home as instructed.  No issues.  Next day, he was even perkier.  Ate more.  Took his meds.  Not racing around, but alert and hungry and talking.

Yesterday, I left home for a few hours to meet a client.  Put e-collar on which cat freaks out over.  When I got home, collar still on, but cat was extremely quiet.  He has now stopped eating...I did use the syringe on him this afternoon, but not only a few little mouths full...threw up twice.  Once, I think, because I used the syringe to give him the meds after he would not take them any other way.  Once a few hours after he drank water.

He has been very quiet, not eating, sleeping in the bathtub or behind the sofa.  Eyes look more alert than they did yesterday, but I am afraid about the antibiotics.  He threw them up this morning.  I know he needs them.  But they are supposed to be taken with food, not on their own, hence, he threw up.

Vomit is just water.  (Yellow water the first time after directly administering, but the pills are yellow.)  Second time, just clear water.

Is the vomiting and lethargy normal?  Surgery was on Thursday.  It is now Sunday.  This started yesterday late afternoon.  They ran through all of his intestines and also cut open his stomach during the surgery.  Is he just in pain or ???  HELP!

This isn't normal especially when he was improving normally after surgery.  Your not going to like what I am going to say but he needs to see a vet.  It could be any number of things, the two that come to mind are a reaction to the antibiotic or an infection.  I tend to lean towards infection but either way it's not something that can be cared for at home.

It is my goal to take him, but I can't drop everything and drive three hours at this moment.  I have people coming from out of the country who cannot be reached or I would be on my way to the vet already.

Unfortunately no one here is a vet. We are just cat lovers.

As @denice says, and in answer to your stated questions, no, unfortunately this is not normal. As you know, he needs a vet. Unfortunately we are not able to provide a further diagnosis here.

With that said, I sure hope he will be okay and that you'll keep us updated. I'm so sorry you are going through this and about the poor timing. Vibes to you.

Until you can get him to a vet, can you get some pedialyte?  This is to make sure he gets not just water but electrolytes (excessive vomiting alters electrolyte balance).

Is the e collar for licking?  Well, is he licking the stitches?  Sometimes a human baby's onesie works better for some kitties.

What about baby food (meat only)?  Is there any food he goes crazy for?  Like deli meat, small pieces mixed in food to get him to eat?  Cheese?  Parmesan cheese?

Where was the black smelly stuff leaking from, the incision site? 

Is he keeping anything down?  Can you syringe him some food?

Can you get another household member, or a family member, or a neighbour, or a friend to stay at your house to greet your company so that you can leave for the vet sooner?

How is kitty today?