Catalase enzymes derived from bacteria from the genera Alcaligenes (Deleya) and Microscilla are disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized to destroy or detect hydrogen peroxide, e.g., in production of glyoxylic acid and in glucose sensors, and in processes where hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching or antibacterial agent, e.g. in contact lens cleaning, in bleaching steps in pulp and paper preparation and in the pasteurization of dairy products.