cats destroying my bathroom/ becoming a cycle

First of all, STOP spanking them!!  You should never, ever hit a cat!  No wonder they are becoming skittish. 

 

Move the stuff off the door.  Put it in some plastic totes and store under your bed or something, but put it away where they can't get to it.  If you can, invest in a cat tree where they can get up high and play as it sounds like they are bored.  Play with them using wand type toys (feather on a stick) for long periods of time when you're at home with them, or get a laser pointer.  If you can't afford a cat tree, use boxes taped together to make some fun for them.

 

 

to TCS! As you've already seen, spanking your cats will do nothing but make them afraid of you and may even lead to more unwanted behavioral problems (fear aggression).

Your best bet would be to get a cabinet for under the sink(s) - that's something the vast majority of German landlords don't provide. Amazon.de has a wide selection of Waschbeckenunterschränke that will simply slide under any standard German sink. Most DIY stores (Baumärkte or Heimwerkermärkte) like Obi, Praktiker or Hornbach have them, too. Those are big chains with stores all over Germany. Ikea has them, too, but is pricier. Occasionally discounters like Aldi, Penny or Lidl/Kaufland have them, but in limited numbers and only a couple of times a year.

A cheaper alternative would be a plastic storage box (Aufbewahrungsbox) with a lid, like these toy boxes or even a wastepaper basket with one (Abfalleimer verschließbar)

If the cats are getting into OTC medications, you really have to get something pet-proof for storage rather than hoping to alter their behavior. Even getting smaller plastic or metal storage containers that fit on your rack would be a help.

A couple of thoughts come to mind. First of all they are Bengals that have reached the equivalent of their teen age years. This is the time where cats will act up more so than any other time in their lives as they are testing everything in their environment.

Secondly, cats are motivated by "what's in it for me?", which is why punishment like spankings don't work with cats. If you don't give a cat a positive alternative when you see them doing something wrong, they have no incentive to do what you want them to do. Besides that, they have no idea what you would rather them do. You need to teach them, not punish them. When you see them go after something in the bathroom, pick them up and give a firm no (do not spank), take them to their appropriate toys and play with them.

Third, it sounds like its time to cat proof your home a little better. The things that I don't want my cats to get into are secured in either closets or closed cabinets/drawers (which you don't have), or bins with lids. Look into purchasing something like Rubbermaid or Sterilite bins (not sure what they sell in Germany) for your medications and personal belongings.

I have a cat that at 10 years old loves to open up the towel drawer in my kitchen and build herself a nest to sleep. She doesn't do it very often anymore because when I used to find her in there, I would move her to a blanket that I put out on our sofa. The blanket was far more comfy than the towels, so she chose to use that first. If I fail to leave that blanket out there for her, she's back in the drawer.

BTW, some plastics are made with animal based products and many cats are highly attracted to plastic. If nothing else, get all of your plastic items sealed in bins.

You can correct the behavior by changing what you do with them.

We've got a Clevercat ceiling-high tree for large cats that we bought from Pussy-Versand. It's held up pretty well for over 12 years. Another site that has trees, food, litter, toys, etc., is zooplus.de They have an English-language site here. Amazon.de has a pretty good selection, including for large cats, and also carries Armarkat. Fressnapf.de is another possibility, but I'm not sure about their quality.

If you're handy or someone you know is, you can build your own cat tower using lumber, a staple gun, hot glue and sisal.  Or, use a tree branch -- cats' first and favorite natural scratching choice.  

Bengals are very active cats by nature.  They need to run, jump, and play.  Animal Planet has a show called, "MY CAT FROM HELL", hosted by wonderful cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy.  Last night there was a cat featured who probably has Bengal lineage; he was getting into all sorts of trouble, and Jackson recommended playing with him daily with a "wand-and-feather-lure" type toy, plus walking him on a figure-8 harness and leash daily.  He's now quite well-adjusted and calm, friendly and non-destructive, according to the program, at least.  Hope this helps!