The invention discloses a method for preparing a phthalate hydrogenation catalyst. The method is characterized in that a carrier is the combination of one or more than one of amorphous silica-alumina or silicon dioxide; the BET specific surface area of the carrier is 80-400m<2>/g; the pore capacity is 0.2-3.0ml/g, and the pore diameter is 5-20nm; the active component is precious metal Ru, and the content of the elementary substance Ru is 0.02-1.3%wt; the chlorinity content of the catalyst is less than or equal to 0.05%wt of the total weight of the catalyst. The preparation method comprises the following steps: dropwise adding dilute ammonia water slowly into a Ru-contained solution, and adjusting the pH of the solution to be 7.0-12.0; dipping the carrier by the solution, and drying instantly after saturation and adsorption at the temperature of 60-150 DEG C for 1-8 hours; and roasting at the temperature of 150-300 DEG C for 1-6 hours. Solid salt containing Ru, prepared from the catalyst, is selected from one or a mixture of multiple of acetic acid (III) and nitroso acyl nitrate ruthenium (III). The prepared catalyst is used for evaluating the previous H2 reduction activation. The application field of the catalyst comprises the hydrogenation reaction of hydrogenation production of 1, 2-cyclohexane dioctyl phthalate esters of phthalate esters.