A method for decreasing the amount of coke produced during the cracking of hydrocarbon feedstock to lower molecular weight products in a reaction zone is disclosed, where the feedstock contains at least two metal contaminants selected from the class consisting of nickel, vanadium and iron, and where these contaminants become deposited on the catalyst. The method comprises passing catalyst from the reaction zone through a regeneration zone operated under net reducing conditions and through a reduction zone maintained at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to at least partially passivate the catalyst.