Stray cat was friendly now scared

I recently took in a stray cat. He's a neutered male about 12 years old. Its been about 4 days and he has been getting friendly. He has been rubbing his face against my face and let me pick him up and coming when I call. Today he was on the couch with me and when I started to get up he got scared and I gently tried to restrain him from jumping down. As soon as his ears went back I let him go. He was acting scared so I tried to approach him to reassure him and he just ran away. This happened a couple times.. Now he is hiding under the desk for a few hours now and seems very stressed. I have always had dogs so I'm not used to cats. Could someone tell me what I did to scare him initially? Why when he seemed so comfortable did he suddenly seem to think I was trying to hurt him? Also will he forgive me for scaring him? Any help would be appreciated. 

Welcome to the forums and thank you so much for rescuing this sweet boy!  When bringing in a cat, it is often best to confine them to a small room first.  This allows them to be comfortable with the scents and sounds of your home without overwhelming them with the entire space of your house.  He has only been with you a short time and his reaction may be one of being overwhelmed.  It is best to take things very slowly.  Since you have already allowed him free roam of your home it might be hard to confine him.  I would give him some space and reassure him that you are there to help and take care of him.  Talk softly and try to sit at his level without looming over him.  You might want to block off spaces where he could hide and get himself stuck. 

If you do move him into a room of his own, be sure he has access to food/water and a litter box.  Also make sure he does have an appropriate place to hide such as an old box with a cozy towel or bed or possibly a hiding box of a cat tree.  If you place him in a bedroom be warned that he will make a bee line to run under the bed.  It is best to place the mattress and box springs directly on the floor or remove the bedding.  Look for any small spaces he could wedge behind and block those too.  Feliway diffusers really help to settle a frightened cat as do composure feline calming treats.  You can find both on Amazon or in most pet stores.  It often takes cat a few weeks to adapt to their new surroundings.  Did you bring him in off the streets or get him from a shelter?  Time and patience is your friend.  He will settle down, but allow him to experience things at a slow pace.

Thanks for your response. I got him off of the street. I was feeding him regularly outside before bringing him in. I was just confused cause he seemed fine. He was sleeping on the couch with me and letting me pick him up and stuff and then he suddenly just freaked out. I'm not sure when I should approach him and try to encourage him or when I should just leave him alone.

I have accidentally stepped on my feral cat's paw or tail, and it took days for him to trust me again. They eventually do though. The best way back into their good graces is through their stomach ( just like a man's! ) Get some very special treats like chicken or beef baby food or something else yummy, and he will warm up quickly. Stroke him while he's eating. Just sit in the same room as often as you can, talk softly to him. He'll come around! Good luck!

Definitely try the Gerber stage 2 chicken or turkey baby food.  Just be sure it is chicken or turkey and water only with no added spices.  Cats go crazy for it and it works really well as a training tool.  Just don't use it as a meal just for rewards and training.  It also works really well when you need to give liquid medicine.   You can offer a bit of the baby food on a spoon and see if he will take it.  If not first offer it on a plate so he gets a taste.  After a spoon you can work up to him licking it off your fingers. 

I would just keep trying with him and if he seems afraid or agitated just back off a bit and start slowly.

He seems to be doing better. He's still eyes me suspiciously but he's at least not running way. Thanks guys!

Hi

We have had our feral kitten for 4 months now and they are very calm now--BUT if they are concentrating on something and we touch them,they will

still dart for a hidy-hole and not come near us for awhile

Now we just leave them to settle and they soon come back tp normal

From our experience,Gerbers #2 baby food ,chicken and chicken gravy is a godsend in these situations

Regards 

Tony and Kat(owned by ex. feral super kittens,Shadow and Muse)