Regular Cardas interconnects for VPI?

Should work great. Usually the only thing that's different between a regular interconnect and a "phono" interconnect, (i.e. NON DIN...RCA to RCA) is the addition of the ground wire.

should be no problem and sound great.

Some claim dedicated phono interconnects are better as they are generally smaller guage, somehow better preserve the integrity of the very low level cartridge output signal. I've never compared the two directly, just use regular IC.

Hmmm...what about shielding?

Yes, in general it will work for both applications but is that all? The main difference between the two, for me, is that one will carry a low level signal and one a line level signal. Shield should be considered as any interference picked up by the phono IC's (low signal more prone/susceptible to interference) will be amplified by 42 dB (typical phono gain for MM) + SUT gain plus linestage gain. I think saying that the only difference between the two is the drain wire is a little vague IMHO. Just like saying that the difference between two ,say, 6SN7 tubes from different manufacturers is only the brand name.

My opinion only.