PURPOSE: To prevent the formation of an alloy with Pd and Rh or Pt when used at high temperature and thereby prevent performance deterioration by forming a layer which does not contain precious metal components between a layer containing Pd and a layer containing Pt and/or Rh.

CONSTITUTION: The subject catalyst is composed of the first layer containing Pd and activated alumina, the second layer containing activated alumina which does not contain precious metal, and the third layer containing Rh and/or Pt and activated alumina on monolithic carrier base as a catalyst for exhaust gas purification. Thus, the mutual action between Pd, and Pt and/or Rh is prevented by an intermediate layer which does not contain precious metal, so that the production of an alloy during use at high temperature is restricted. Subsequently, catalytic performance deterioration is minimized.