A catalyst carrier which includes a catalyst support layer containing an alkaline earth metal and/or an alkali metal disposed on an alumina substrate. The alkaline earth metal and/or the alkali metal is suppressed or prevented from diffusing into the substrate to react with alumina in the substrate. A catalyst support layer 3 that contains an alkaline earth metal and/or an alkali metal is formed on a surface of an alumina substrate 1 having a three-dimensional network structure. A zirconia layer 2 consisting of zirconia and/or stabilized zirconia is disposed between the substrate 1 and the catalyst support layer 3. The zirconia layer 2 has a thickness of 3 μm or more in a region of at least 65% of the substrate surface. The zirconia layer suppresses or prevents the alkaline earth metal and/or the alkali metal in the catalyst support layer from diffusing into the substrate.