Platinum loaded NaY, HY and dealuminated HY were shown to be active in the total oxidation of nicotine at 573 K into CO2, H2O and N-2 at the exclusion of CO and NOx. The activity (turnover frequency (TOF)) of a surface metal atom was independent of the method of metal loading (ion-exchange or impregnation) but increased with the metal particle size. Compared to non-porous silica, zeolites exerted a beneficial effect on metal particles of similar sizes, presumably, because a shielding effect of the acidic zeolite matrix with respect to the nicotine base.