A series of CexZr1–xO2 (x=1, 0.83, 0.17, 0) supports and 2 wt.% Ni/CexZr1–xO2 catalysts were synthesized and evaluated for CH4 oxidation. The CexZr1–xO2 supports showed moderate activity (T50=519‐638 °C) with CO by‐product formation. Nickel incorporation onto CexZr1–xO2 lowered the T50 to 438–477 °C and eliminated the formation of CO. The results indicated that moderate Zr doping improved the support oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and reducibility of the catalyst at low temperatures (H2‐TPR) leading to an enhanced CH4 combustion turnover frequency: Ni/ZrO2