newly adopted furbaby. did i damage our relationship with my actions?

Hello all!! I am new here and am seeking some advice. I just recently adopted a beautiful 6 year old female cat (6 days ago ) she is a loving Kitty as far as I can tell so far but of course there are some things i am unsure of: what's normal behavior and what's not!!?

A bit of background: I saw Kitty's owner advertising her 'free to a good home' as they were moving countrys and couldn't take her. After conversing we agreed that i could meet Kitty and did so approximately 3times before the day she came to me as my new pet! Since then we have developed what I thought was a close bond as I spent lots of time with her, giving her affection and generally making her feel as comfortable as possible in her new home. She is a particularly skiddish cat, jumping at noises and so on. She spent the first 3 days in my bed and refused to leave. I live with 2 other male housemates.. they can be very loud.. The only time during this period she did not spend in my bed was for 1 whole night where she hid under a couch which her owner gave to us as it belonged to her.

Today: she has finally started roaming and has 2 enclosed decks she can go on. 1 with her couch and 1 at the front of the house. Due to fear of her staying under the couch for endless periods I decided she was no longer allowed to use that deck. She seems to trust me and follows me around the house/ sleeping in my bed. But the only issue is with her couch she meows and pines for it from about 4am onwards and periodically through the day. Today I talked to someone who said to let her out to her couch during the day and bring her in at night, forming a routine. Tonight I did just that. Kitty had been getting more and more upset about me not letting her out and tonight she didn't sleep on my bed for the first time.

Have I done damage to our relationship by denying her access to her beloved couch?? She still comes for pats but not as frequently. She still follows me around sometimes. I didn't mean to be cruel i was just worried about her actions in staying under the couch which I know is normal now as it has her scent on it..

I am sure the couch reminds her of her old home.  It is her security blanket and it makes her feel safe.  It has her scent on it which makes a cat feel safe.  It also may smell like her previous owners which also may be comforting to her.  Is there a way you could move the couch inside so she could have access to her at her leisure?  If not, I think she will be constantly badgering you to go out to the couch or to be outside in general.  Also she will need a safe place to hide inside your home.  Does she have a cat tree to enjoy looking outside and one with a hiding box? 

You also can try feliway diffusers to help the transition. 

Welcome to the forums.

I've read that cats' brain chemistry is actually closer to humans than dogs, and I think that explains a lot about how we form relationships with our cats.

you may have hurt her feelings a bit, but nothing permanent or severe I would think.

3days isn't a very long time to me, especially with a cat of her age. I am no expert, but I would recommend getting her another hiding spot for your room- someone suggested a cat tree, awesome choice- and additionally, bringing in one or more of her couch cushions to your room. Then I would start her quarantine with you over again (esp. With the noisy mates) for a longer amount of time.

best of luck with your baby, from my experience, pets that need a little extra care end up being so loving and devoted!

Note: dont forget to place her food/water, litter box, and any toys she has in the room with her as well.

hope you find a solution!

Really good advice from @justicereigh   I love the idea of bringing the cushions from the cough inside.  That way you don't/won't need the entire couch, just the cushions. 

Also a good idea to quarantine her in your room for a bit longer.  Allow her to get comfy with you and her space first and then let her out and about again.  Be sure food/water and litter box are in the room too. 

Things will improve.  It just will take some time and patience.

Thank you all so much! This is very helpful. I will invest in a few different cat trees for different locations around the house! I have also taken the cushions off and made a smaller hidey hole on the front deck (directly next my room) she has a blankey also gifted from her previous owner on my bed which is why I think she stays there. I will try all of the above! Thank you again @ShadowsRescue @justicereigh for now I will most likely leave the couch outside and she how shw goes with the new hidey hole too!