The present invention is a method for recovering a catalyst from a catalyst body comprising a carrier having a catalyst layer formed on at least a part of the surface thereof, which comprises (a) a step of forming an overcoat layer on the surface of the catalyst layer, and (b) a step of allowing the catalyst body having the overcoat layer formed thereon to stand under the condition to result in a difference in expansibility or contractility exhibited by the overcoat layer from that exhibited by the carrier, wherein exfoliation of the catalyst layer from the carrier is permitted by means of the resulting difference in expansibility or contractility under the condition.