Abstract: This invention relates to an extruded composition characterized by its method of preparation. A finely divided refractory inorganic oxide, preferably an alpha-alumina monohydrate, is admixed with a peptizing agent and sufficient water to produce a mixture which has a weight loss on ignition at 900.degree. C. of from about 50 to about 70%. The mixture is subjected to shear-mixing, the intensity or severity of the shear-mixing being characterized by an energy input equivalent to from about 15 to about 120 watt-hours per pound of dry refractory inorganic oxide contained in said mixture over a period of from about 0.5 to about 5 minutes. The resulting dough is subsequently extruded and the extrudate calcined. The product is particularly useful as a hydrotreating catalyst in combination with a Group VIB and Group VIII metal component.