A nickel catalyst comprising 0.1 to 12.5 wt. % of at least one structural promoter, selected from the group of oxides of metals and metalloids and combinations thereof, and 87.5 to 99.9 wt. % nickel, calculated on the weight of nickel and the structural promoter together, the catalyst having an nickel surface area, as defined herein, of at least 10 m2/g catalyst and an average pore diameter, as defined herein, of 10 to 60 nm. It has been found that already very small amounts of promoter improves the structure of the catalyst. High amounts still provide a stable, sinter resistant material, but result in a decrease in the pore size to lower levels. Furthermore, properties and sulfur uptake capacity.