Final answer:
The exact minimum lethal toxic dose of ethylene glycol for cats is not provided, but the substance's metabolic process into glycolic and then oxalic acid causes severe organ damage, indicating that any amount could be hazardous.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reported minimum lethal toxic dose of ethylene glycol in cats is not specified in the provided reference material, but understanding the toxic mechanism of ethylene glycol can give insight into how little could be dangerous. Ethylene glycol is initially processed by the body into glycolaldehyde, which is then metabolized to glycolic acid. Glycolic acid, the major metabolite responsible for toxicity, can lead to kidney toxicity 24 to 72 hours after ingestion due to its cytotoxic effects. Later it is further broken down into glyoxylic acid and then oxalic acid, which binds with calcium to form crystals in organs like the kidneys, causing considerable damage.
For reference, the LD-50 (lethal dose, 50%) is a standard measure used to assess the toxicity of substances, representing the amount needed to kill 50% of a test animal population. However, it's important to note that due to ethical considerations and the individual variability of organisms, the LD-50 for ethylene glycol in cats isn't readily available, and any ingestion should be considered a serious medical concern requiring immediate veterinary attention.