SHELLY DONAHUE/VIEWGregory Popovich?s animals perform with him in his show at the V Theater. The animal cast consists of cats and dogs that were adopted from local animal shelters.
SHELLY DONAHUE/VIEWGregory Popovich performs a trick with one of his cats during a performance on July 25. Popovich says it can take two to nine months to train an animal, depending on the cat or dog?s disposition.
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Cats that walk on a tightrope, acrobatic and juggling dogs, mice that ride a kiddie train and ferrets running amuck -- in other words, just another day at Gregory Popovich's "World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater" the V Theater in the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood.
Popovich's show has been featured at the theater since last year, when it began to create quite a stir among tourists, pet enthusiasts and the entertainment industry.
"We do something nobody else has done," Popovich said. "I am the first to work with cats in the United States. My animals are the star of the show, and I make that known."
The veteran circus performer grew up around animals, and it was that predisposition that gave him both the idea and the confidence to produce such an original show.
"My parents were circus performers who worked with animals," Popovich said. "That's where I got the skills and knew that I could train animals to perform. My first baby sitters were dogs who worked with my mom."
Popovich, who also was featured in this season's top 20 acts on the NBC reality show "America's Got Talent," has been a Las Vegas resident since 1991.
"He's one of a kind," manager Linda Thomas said. "I think that is obvious on the show. And you can really see that he cares for these animals, and they care for him."
According to Popovich, it takes more than just hard work and dedication to become the premier domesticated feline trainer in the United States -- it also requires a real love for the animals themselves.
Over the years, the Popovich name has become synonymous with animal training in many entertainment circles, and while the second-generation circus performer is glad to be in a position where people know about him and his animals, he can't help but smile fondly as he recalls a time when agents were a tad confused about his act.
"This was years ago when I got the call from an agent who wanted me to perform with my cats at a popular convention," Popovich said in his thick, Russian accent. "Back then, my English wasn't that good. I could understand some things, but not a lot. The agent said he wanted me to bring my cats and perform. We agreed upon a price, and I thought at the time that it was good pay for just one convention. In those days, I used my own car to transport me and the animals, and when I arrived at the gig, this agent met me outside."
According to Popovich, the man looked at him in bewilderment, asking in a serious and increasingly panicked tone, "Where are your cats?"
Popovich's reply was simple -- "They are in the back."
"You have jungle cats in the back of your car?" the man asked in disbelief.
Popovich knew at that moment that not only had there been a major miscommunication, but that he also had an opportunity to prove that his act could be as entertaining as any show featuring jungle cats.
"I apologized and explained that my English was not that good," Popovich said. "I told him, 'You ask for cats, I have cats; I bring cats.' I didn't realize that he thought I had large jungle animals."
The frustrated agent allowed Popovich to go on anyway.
"It was too late to find a replacement act," Popovich said. "But I had an idea. I told him, 'When you announce us, tell the mothers to hold onto their children, for they are about to see the most ferocious sight in the world. Tell them not to be frightened, but amazed."
The announcement was made as six well-trained house cats, decked out in faux-lion manes, pranced into the center of a ring, with Popovich as the ringmaster.
"The crowd began laughing and applauding, and it didn't stop throughout the entire show," Popovich said. "It was a hit, a real success. The agent was so satisfied that we were even paid the original sum agreed upon."
According to Popovich, his recent experience on "America's Got Talent" was more of a promotional journey than an attempt to win $1 million. He was asked to audition for the show last summer, when producers saw his act at Planet Hollywood and encouraged him to be a part of the show's talent competition.
"When I was asked to do it, I wasn't sure it was for me," Popovich said. "I am exactly where I want to be with my show here on the Strip and am satisfied to stay here, performing daily with my animals, making people smile and laugh."
Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater, which features 14 cats and 10 dogs, is an hour-long, high-energy romp filled with juggling, dancing, clowning and slapstick comedy.
"I let the audience reaction judge what I'm doing," Popovich said. "We work very hard to create a dynamic, fun experience for the audience."
Popovich attributes his ability to train the animals, all of which were adopted from local shelters, to do elaborate routines and stunts to patience and an overall connection.
"I do not choose my animals based on color or breed, but personality," Popovich said. "They are like people, each one different. If you don't push an animal, but treat them with respect, give them independence and privacy and learn their character, meaning that you know what they like and don't like, it becomes easier to connect with and train them."
According to Popovich, training can take anywhere from two to nine months, depending on the animal.
"Dogs and cats are difficult and easy to train in different ways," Popovich said. "Dogs often work for rewards, while cats want affection. It's an individual process."
While he maintains that he loves all of the animals in the show, Popovich admits he does have favorites.
"Animals are like children; you love them individually, but you sometimes do have favorites," he said. "My cat Snow is one of my favorites. Snow is retired and comfortable living the life of a pampered house cat at my home. Then there are my dogs Fillip and Felix, who are still very happy to be working with me. I have tried to leave Fillip at home, and he grows very sad. He loves to work. It's a part of who they are. "
Popovich has a staff of five full-time caregivers to help care for the animals. He also has two houses, one for his family and one for the animals.
"We couldn't all live under one roof," Popovich said. "There are just too many of them. Also, I'm lucky I have understanding neighbors."
So far, Popovich has been playing to packed houses and hopes that will continue to be the case.
"I am very fortunate to be able to do something that I love, and I hope that people will always find entertainment and joy in what I do," he said.
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