We have measured high-resolution Ru K-edge x-ray absorption spectra for the intermetallic La_1-xCe_xRu₂ system. Multiple-scattering calculations are made to explore the origins of different features observed in the experimental x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and their variation with Ce doping. The experiments and theoretical analysis demonstrate that the Ce doping in La_1-xCe_xRu₂ has a direct influence on the states at the Fermi level and hence the hybridization between the f and d states induced by doping.