My cat is scared of my husband

HELP!!!!!!!! We got a cat, Cooper, about a year ago.He is 3 years old. He has always been a little bit skittish of my husband. We think we was abused and tormented in his last home. His last home had 3 kids all under the age of 7 and a husband who hated cats. (That’s why she was getting rid of Cooper) Cooper is even skittish around me and I am “his." The other day we moved things around in our living room. Cooper use to hide behind be couch when he got scared but then would come out shortly after. Cooper was playing with our other cat Nightmare. Cooper went behind the entertainment center for safety. My husband told him "no" but he didn’t leave. My husband threw a pillow at the wall near him and ever since then he won’t come out. He won’t come out to eat, drink or use his litter box. He just hides. It’s been about a week since this all has happened. Our other cat is starting to run wild because his playmate isn’t around. I don’t want to get rid of him. HELP!!!!!!!

Poor Cooper; I had one cat who was very skittish and she had no trauma in her past.  I was 9 when we adopted her and as a pre-teen my mother remarried and I gained 4 step-siblings.  They had to learn how to interact with her.  She required a calm, gentle approach at all times.  Her "safe" place was my bedroom.  It sounds to me like rearranging your living room really has taken Cooper's security from him.  You may have to lure him out with something really tasty; when your house is quiet and calm.  Then block the area so he can't get back there.  

Have you tried any calming products to help Cooper relax?  Some people have success with Feliway spray or diffusers.  I have used calming treats and a calming collar for an over-grooming issue.  There are also medications you can talk to your vet about; but they do take time to take effect.  Is Cooper not coming out at night?  It's dangerous for a cat to go without eating or drinking for a few days.  I'm not sure how best to get him out; but it's important that he does.  

Once he is out and you've blocked that off your husband can try to gain his trust again.  (I would not suggest your husband be the one to encourage him to leave his hiding spot.)  After he is out; your husband can do things like feeding and giving treats.  Also play sessions with extra fun things as long as they don't scare him.  For example if a wand toy in the air scares him he might enjoy it dragged on the ground more.  Be sure you both use a calm voice and not too heavy of a footstep.  Basically; try to have Cooper associate positive things with your husband.  

Good luck and keep us updated! 

I have tried some drops to put in his water and food but he can smell the drops. I completely forgot about his safety space. I did bring out his old pillow and blanket he use to sleep on. Hopfully that will help. We did get a new bed frame and I think he is too big to get under.

I did notice the weird thing this weekend with him. If I am in the room he will go up to my husband and get scratches and go to his food bowl when its feeding time.( more or less back to normal) Once I leave the room he is scared to death of my husband and runs and hides. This is one of those instances where after you do something you completely regret it. I know my husband wasnt thinking for that breif moment. He has never thrown anything at him.

I told my husband to keep playing with him with the laser. He loves it! He will love the excess amount of treats he is getting. I know it will take time and love. Once I get my closet organization down I was thinking of making him his own little corner on my side. I would put his pillow and blanket there and that can be " his" spot.

If I can find the calming treats that would be AMAZING! I think that would help him alot. I just dont know where to get them. Another obstacle we have it our work schedules. Cooper is alone with my hubbs for about 6-8 hours during the day. Then I come home. I appreciate all the ideas I can get!

Making a hiding spot in your closet would be a great safe space!  (So long as he doesn't get locked in there of course.)  Our 2 don't get to sleep in our bedroom; but Noodles will get in our room and go sleep in the basket I keep my socks in.  She is much happier when she can go in there.  

I get the calming treats that I use on Amazon.