Novel types of monometallic catalysts based on platinum or gold supported on ceria-zirconia mixed oxide were prepared and tested in the oxidation of different types of volatile organic compounds. It was shown that the type of noble metal, its particle size and/or loading are the key factors that influence the physicochemical properties of the catalysts and consequently their catalytic performance. Moreover, it was demonstrated that by employing a proper method of catalyst preparation (especially the way of noble metal introduction), highly active and/or selective catalysts can be prepared. However, it was also revealed that the catalytic performance of a given catalyst strongly depends on the type of volatile organic compound. Summarizing, it was shown that a compromise among reducibility, acidity and resistance to poisoning is needed to obtain an efficient catalyst, which has to be tailored to a particular pollutant.