The present invention is directed to selective catalytic reduction catalysts that combine SCR activity with NOx absorber activity. In particular, the disclosed catalytic article includes a substrate having a first and a second material disposed thereon, wherein the first material includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst composition and the second material includes a nitrogen oxides (NOx) absorber composition, wherein the NOx absorber composition does not substantially oxidize ammonia, and wherein the catalytic article is effective to abate NOx from an engine exhaust gas stream. Emission treatment systems for treating an exhaust gas including a catalytic article of the invention are provided, particularly systems that include an injector adapted for the addition of ammonia to the exhaust gas stream located upstream of the catalytic article.