A catalyst precursor composition and methods for making such catalyst precursor are disclosed. The catalyst precursor comprises at least a Promoter metal selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof, at least one Group VIB metal, at least one organic, oxygen-containing ligand, and a cellulose-containing material. The oxygen-containing ligand is an environmentally friendly/non-toxic material having an LD50 rate of >500 mg/Kg as single oral dose to rats. Catalysts prepared from the sulfidation of such catalyst precursors are used in the hydro processing of hydrocarbon feeds.