Oxidation of coke deposited on spent catalytic cracking catalysts was compared with that of coal and coal char via the non-isothermal oxidation means, i.e. the thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and the differential thermal analysis (DTA). Oxidation kinetic parameters were further investigated by model-fitting methods. The test results showed that the oxidation of spent catalysts was a quite mild process, while coal and coal char experienced sharp weight loss during oxidation. The temperature for commencement and termination of oxidation increased in the following order: coal