The present invention is directed to cigarettes and other smoking articles which contain a catalytic composition, preferably as part of the fuel element, that substantially decreases the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the mainstream smoke during smoking. The present invention also relates to the catalyst-containing carbonaceous fuels themselves, as well as to methods of making such carbonaceous fuels. Fuel elements which contain a catalytic composition in accordance with the presentation are especially useful in smoking articles having an aerosol generating means which is physically separate from the fuel element.