The present invention discloses a support for securely holding an exhaust catalyst in a combustion and exhaust system. The support of the invention includes a flexible refractory mat adapted to surround the exhaust catalyst and a metal foil having a plurality of protrusions disposed over the flexible refractory mat. The present invention also discloses an exhaust system in which a catalyst is held in place with the support of the invention. Finally, methods for securing a catalyst to an exhaust system are provided.