if the cats teeth need cleaning then that is what should happen they like us can get sore gums from plaque and can get to a point where they may need to have some teeth removed to make life more comfortable for them,
I Give my cats chicken necks to eats as the fine bones clean the teeth and are small enough not to cause problems plus they are full of calcium and we all need calcium. nine years of age is not very old and they only need a light anesthetic to have the teeth cleaned