Catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of oleic acid was carried out in a batch reactor on platinum supported ceria catalyst (Pt/CeO2). Oleic acid is a water insoluble linear unsaturated fatty acid of 18 carbon atoms. To increase the homogeneity of the solution by saponification, the influence of NaOH additions in oleic acid CWAO mechanism and catalyst performances have been investigated. The oxidation of such molecule occurs by two types of mechanisms: successive carboxy-decarboxylation which leads essentially to CO2 and/or C-C bonds splitting in the alkyl chain inducing a high formation of acetic acid. With or without NaOH, the 5% Pt/CeO2 catalyst is active in the conversion of oleic acid and selective to carbon dioxide. In alkaline medium, oleic acid is initially saponified which increases the solubility of the reactant before it to be oxidized. Finally the oxidation is slightly delayed by the presence of NaOH. The catalyst characterizations show no significant difference before and after reaction.