The joys of cats.....You wouldn't have it any other way Jen, now would you
You got that right

My vet just called about Rutherford. (So I don't have to wait until morning to get her opinion.) She says all sounds normal and that (for now) we are doing all that we can.
If all goes well, the remainder of the mucous that was plugging him up will dissolve now that it is loosened.
Fluids for another week along with his antibiotics and hopefully no more talk of surgery (although it is still possible).