A catalyst for purifying exhaust gases includes a substrate, and a catalytic layer. The catalytic layer includes a lower catalytic layer, a first upper catalytic layer, and a second upper catalytic layer. The lower catalytic layer being loaded with Pd and/or Pt is formed on the substrate. The first upper catalytic layer being loaded with Pd covers an upstream side of the lower catalytic layer, and exhibits a concentration of loaded Pd that falls in a range of from 4.5 to 12% by mass when the entirety of the first upper catalytic layer is taken as 100% by mass. The second upper catalytic layer being loaded with Rh covers a downstream side of the lower catalytic layer.