Disclosed are catalyst compositions including zeolite and silica components, methods of making, and processes of using in the thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass. Such disclosed methods of making include: i) spray drying of the catalyst precursor slurry at a pH below 1, or ii) the removal of ions such as sodium from the binder material prior to spray drying the catalyst precursor slurry at a pH below 2.7, or iii) spray drying the catalyst precursor including a pore regulating agent followed by steam treating, or iv) some combination of i), ii) and iii).