I Spooked my new cat and I am not sure how to proceed
Hey Ill try to keep this as brief as possible.
I am fostering a 1 year old male cat and this is only my second cat I have ever owned. My first cat was siamese and adapted really quickly. This guy, not so much. I brought him home and set up my spare room for him with food, water, liter box, new cat tree, tv and tv stand (not yet used) and a recliner.
He initially came out of the carrier and hid in the tv stand and we made good progress. But last night, he went under the recliner and didnt come out from last night to tonight, unless he did when I was sleeping. When I put my hand under there he would accept pets and even rubbed against my hand and purred. But he would not leave. I dont mind him not coming out, but im concerned because it seems like he hasnt ate much if at all or drank, and he has not used the litter box. I want to make sure he isnt hungry or thirsty. Also, the main reason I want to move the recliner is its got some sharp edges and wires (its an old lazyboy from probably before I was born) and I dont want him to hurt himself or get stuck under there.
This is where I think I may have screwed up. I got impatient and opted to move the recliner. He freaked out a bit and ran to the corner behind the tv stand. He is now huddled behind there and will not leave that position. I was able to pet him again and give him treats which he accepted, but he wont move from that spot and I am worried I may have halted progress. I put a basic kitchen chair near him with a sheet over it hoping that will give him a similar vibe to the recliner without as much risk.
Where should I go from here? Should I try to be near him so he will get used to me, should I leave him alone? Should I keep the door closed to this room or open? I just dont want to break his trust or have him fear me, but I also really just would feel better and less anxious if he ate, drank, pooped, or peed!