Feral to House cat

Hey Reddit,

I recently adopted my first cat about 2 months ago, or so, and from what the Sanctuary I adopted him through was able to tell me, he was a former stray cat. I was hoping just to get some general tips for him.

As of right now, he seems to be more or less adjusted to the house, and to me (I live alone), but there's some days that it almost seems like there's a switch in his behavior, where he acts almost as if he just got here again.

He is talkative, roams the house, has his spaces, and initiates contact. He dislikes being picked up, and for some reason doesn't like to play. I've bought him a variety of toys, some that are personal stimulating toys, some that require interaction with me, and while he leans towards the solo play type of toys (mostly the fish in the photo), he doesn't really play with those either.

I assume this is mostly normal behavior for a stray turned home cat, but any advice on how to make him feel more comfortable interacting with me, past a few minutes of petting when I wake up, get home from work, and before bed, would be appreciated. I've done some Google research of my own, as well as Gemini AI, to get any sort of lead, but nothing that either of those presented me has really helped him be more comfortable with interaction.

Thank you in advance, posted a picture of the boy for Reddit tax

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Age: not a minor

Country: USA

Info: Accessible, but not necessary I don't think

Main Issue: Cat seems secluded, seeking advice

Cat Age: 2 in May

Sex/Neuter: Male, yes

Can afford vet care