A process for preparing a selective hydrogenation catalyst is described, wherein is provided a catalyst precursor, comprising at least one group VIII metal in the metallic form, and at least one support formed of at least one oxide, characterized in that a step is performed of contacting the said catalyst precursor in the metallic form, in the liquid phase and in the presence of a reducing and/or inert atmosphere, with a non-polar solvent containing a silicon compound, the said silicon compound is selected from the silanes containing at least one Si—H bond and at least one Si—C bond, the silanols and the cyclic siloxanes.The selective hydrogenation process implementing the said catalyst is also described.