There is provided a cathode which is easily operable, harmless, and stable at high temperature at least 1,400null C. as well as excellent in electron emission characteristics at the same time, and the process for preparing the same. The cathode of the present invention comprises a polycrystalline substance or a polycrystalline porous substance of high-melting point metal material and an emitter material dispersed into said polycrystalline substance or polycrystalline porous substance, wherein 0.1 to 30% by weight of at least one selected from the group consisting of hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide and titanium oxide is dispersed in said emitter material.