Cats may be the predominant species to develop VAS because they have an increased susceptibility to oxidative injury, as evidenced also by an increased risk of Heinz body anemia and acetaminophen toxicity.
The increased vulnerability of cats to oxidative damage is a contributing factor in the development of vasculopathy, which is characterized by vascular injury and dysfunction. This vulnerability is reflected in their higher incidence of Heinz body anemia and acetaminophen toxicity.