Hardware Cloth a must vs Chicken Wire?

[Eowyn2]

It was my understanding that you only had to use hardware cloth for the bottom 18" of the coop/run. Has worked well for me so far (knock on wood). I know I have skunk and probably raccoon; I don't know about weasel. No opossums. Surrounded by hay fields but near a wildlife refuge as well.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Fortunately we live in a small town. The most that I have to worry about is a stray cat. I'm in the process of finishing the run this weekend...here's a photo of what I have finished so far:



Here's a photo of what it looked like before.