Spheroidal catalyst support, supported catalyst, and method of preparing and using the catalyst for hydrodemetallation of metal-containing heavy oil feedstocks are disclosed. The catalyst supports comprise titania alumina having 5 wt % or less titania and have greater than 30% percent of their pore volume in pores having a diameter of between 200 and 500 Å. Catalysts prepared from the supports contain Group 6, 9 and 10 metals or metal compounds supported on the titania alumina supports. Catalysts in accordance with the invention exhibit improved catalytic activity and stability to remove metals from heavy feedstocks during a hydrotreating process. The catalysts also provide increased sulfur and MCR conversion during a hydrotreating process.