The effect of calcination temperature on the properties of eggshell Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalysts was studied. Catalyst deactivation was also investigated. It is found that higher calcination temperature contributes to lower surface area, wider pore, and larger Ni crystallites. Small Ni crystallites and large pores favor the catalyst performance. Catalyst deactivation is due to the formation of NiO-MgO solid solution and/or NiAl2O4, phase transformation, and sintering.