An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst includes a support and a catalyst active
component including at least one noble metal supported by at least a
portion of the support. The support includes a stabilized zirconia
containing at least one stabilizing element selected from rare earth
elements and alkaline earth elements. 20 to 80% by weight of a total
amount of the active component is supported in the support in a form of
solid solution with the stabilized zirconia, and 80 to 20% by weight of a
total amount of the active component is supported on a surface of at
least a portion of the support.