An exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprises a substrate having a through hole serving as a passage for exhaust gas; and a catalyst coating layer formed on an internal surface of the through hole. The catalyst coating layer contains: a component (i): a precious metal; and a component (ii): at least one of a Zr oxide, a Ce oxide and a ZrCe mixed oxide. On an upstream portion of the passage, an oxide equivalent weight of Zr is within a range of 51-100 wt % of an oxide equivalent weight of Zr and Ce contained in the component (ii). On a downstream portion of the passage, the component (ii) includes at least one of a Ce oxide and a ZrCe mixed oxide in which an oxide equivalent weight of Ce is within a range of 58-100 wt % of an oxide equivalent weight of Zr and Ce contained in the ZrCe mixed oxide.