I think cats go through phases and it's impossible to figure out why they do what they do. Rosco acts like we have beat that boy boy! He bolts when we walk into a room, especially hubby. He acts like he is going to get hurt too, but he has never even been yelled at.
Maggie Sue reacts the same way but she has been yelled at!
I would give him some time and see if he comes out of it. Just keep reassuring him and hopefully this will pass.