Cat without hunting instinct?

I'm fostering a feline companion until we can find a forever home and he has been here for a few days. At first he was howling a storm up looking for someone or something and then calmed down the next day. This morning when I went to play with him, he looked at me as though I were nuts. He doesn't chase anything, or even paw at a string. Are there cats who do not have the hunting instinct or what?

It's really more that a lot of male cats don't 'play', but it doesn't mean he won't stalk and hunt things outside for real when he gets the chance.

Some cats just do not play. Otherwise, it could be he is not settled enough to feel comfortable playing.

Not knowing the background, its possible that he's an "only kitten" or lost his mom early and really doesn't know how to play.

It's only been a few days. He may still be suspicious about his new surroundings. I'd wait a few more days before trying to play with him again.

My guess would be is that he's still adjusting to the new environment and scared. My cat didn't start to play until I'd had him a few months and he was feeling at home... I also think he hadn't played much before. He acted like he didn't know what a toy was.

Also, many cats play less as they grow older.