A catalyst for purifying exhaust gases exhibits not only effective purifying characteristics even in a low temperature range such as immediately after an engine starts but also high exhaust gas purifying ability. In the catalyst for purifying exhaust gases of a first aspect of the invention, HC adsorbed at low temperature are released at high temperature and the released HC are purified by a catalyst metal. This catalyst for purifying exhaust gases has an excellent advantage in purifying HC at low temperature as well as excellent exhaust gas purifying ability.