A nickel-M-alumina hybrid xerogel catalyst for preparing methane, wherein the metal M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Ce, La, Mo, Cs, Y, and Mg, a method for preparing the catalyst and a method for preparing methane using the catalyst are provided. The catalyst has strong resistance against a high-temperature sintering reaction and deposition of carbon species, and can effectively improve a conversion ratio of carbon monoxide and selectivity to methane.