The catalysts of copper oxide supported on cerium dioxide were prepared by different methods for methane catalytic combustion. The effects of copper content in the catalysts and calcination temperatures of the catalysts on the catalytic activity are investigated. Results show that the complex oxide catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity for methane combustion due to the synergistic effect of CuO and CeO2. The catalyst prepared by impregnation is more active than that prepared by controlled coprecipitation even if CuO content is the same. When W(CuO) ＜13%, the light-off temperature and full conversion temperature for the CH4 reaction decrease with the increasing of CuO content in the catalysts. However, when the copper content is above 13%, the excess CuO has a negative effect on the catalytic activity owing to the formation of bulk CuO particles. A proper calcinations temperature of 650 ℃ can lead to a high dispersion of CuO and accordingly can enhance the catalytic activity of the composites.