Patches won't bond

Patches is my Ragdoll cat that I got from the animal shelter. He was an owner surrender and probably not from a loving home. When he was brought in, he weighed 7 pounds and was matted and dirty. Ragdolls tend to run large, and he was 2 years old at the time. He was also very subdued. Between his beautiful looks and sob story, I had to take him home.

When I kept him in the bathroom the first several days, he was very loving. He'd jump up in my lap and purr when I came in there to see him. Then he got sick, gave it to the other cats, and it seemed like every time I came near him I was doing something awful to him.

But even after that, even though he didn't beg for attention, he would still purr when I picked him up or when I petted him. One time, he was sitting on the floor of my office curled up, and suddenly I heard purring. He was just lying there purring from contentment.

But now, for the past several weeks, he really doesn't want to have anything to do with me. If I pet him, he'll move away. If I pick him up, he'll want to jump down. He's not mean, just not too interested. He's healthy and has put on weight. He seems quite content and even plays with the other cats some. But my affection or attention he can just take or leave.

I've never had a problem like this with a cat. All of my other cats, even the feral kittens, have eventually, and usually in a matter of days, bonded with me. They come up and want attention. And when I pet them, they purr. But not Patches.

Will he ever bond? He's a beautiful cat, and I love him, and he seems happy enough, but I did want a cat that I could be affectionate with. I pet him and talk to him when I walk by. Occasionally I'll pick him up and pet him. Other than that I really try to let him have his space.

Any ideas, suggestions? Like I said, I've never had a problem like this before. I've always been good with cats.