Abstract: In the industrial circumstances, sulfur-containing species are frequently present simultaneously in the exhaust gas, containing methane, ethane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These species may occupy the active sites on the catalyst surface during the oxidation reaction, causing temporary physical deactivation of the catalyst. Moreover, permanent deactivation might occur when sulfur-containing species react with the active sites, which thereby causes the poisoning and invalidation of the catalysts. This paper reviewed the anti-toxicity properties of precious metals, composite metal oxides and perovskite-type catalysts adopted in the catalytic combustion of exhaust gas. The detailed poisoning mechanism of the catalysts was discussed, and the way to improve the anti-toxicity of the catalyst was also proposed accordingly. This review may provide some insight into the development of catalysts with high resistance to sulfur poisoning.