A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid as reactants comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold and a third metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium calcium, barium, zirconium and cerium, as its oxide or mixture of oxide and metal, said catalyst having been prepared by either of two specified methods (A) or (B). Use of the catalyst results in a reaction of relatively high activity and/or low heavy ends selectivity.