MOx and Au/MOx catalysts were prepared by the coprecipitation method and their catalytic performance for CO oxidation was evaluated through the feeding gas with or without water vapor. The results showed that the activity and the stability of MO, catalysts are greatly dependent on the kinds of metal oxides. The activity order of MOx is Co3O4 > NiO > Fe2O3 > CuO > MnOx > ZnO > Al2O3 > Cr2O3 > CaO > La2O3. The water has negative effect on the activity of MOx (M = Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) catalysts. The catalytic activity and stability of Au/MOx catalysts are greatly dependent on the properties of MOx. The water has negative effect on the activity of Au/MOx (M = Ca, Cr, Cu, La and Mn) and on the stability of Au/MOx (M = Al, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) at ambient temperature.