Urinating out of the box and urine odor

Question
For the last three weeks, my 4yr old female has been urinating by the front door.  She has her own box and I use Good Mews cat litter. She does not poop by the door only urinates.  I have resorted to putting both of my cats in the second bedroom or "cat room" while I am at work.
Tonight, I am going to buy her a new cat box and buy a new pad (I lay a large padded tablecloth on the floor under their boxes.  I know that cats are picky and very sensitive, but this is the first time she has done this in the two years I have had her.  My two year old male does not do it at all.
For the odor, I have tried Natures Miracle, but am still waiting for it to seep down to the pad to remove the smell.   Does baking soda work? Vinegar? Rosemary?
I am pissed at her and incredibly embarrassed.
Thank you!

Answer
Melody,

Have you had your cat checked by your vet?  It is very possible that she ha a urinary tract infection (bladder, cystitis or etc.).  This would explain the sudden onset of this behavior.

On the other hand the problem could be behavioral, e.g. a strange cat hanging around your front door spray near by?  I have also heard there is a box elder hedge that smells just like cat urine and that cats will spray when they smell this?

Since it is confined to one spot and if there is no physical problem, you might try a Feliway diffuser close by.

I am giving you this link to an excellent set of articles on inappropriate cat habits, written by a vet, who is also a cat breeder:

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html


Cat pee is mostly water + ammonia + musk.  So an acid based product like vinegar may help.

Best regards... Norm.