replacing backdrop behind white cat

[MamaMonkey]

I'm trying to follow this tutorial https://www.damiensymonds.net/replace-background-hair 

but I can't because the cat's hair is white.  I just need to replace the black stool by her hair.  What do you suggest?  

[Damien Symonds]

May I see the whole photo for context?

[MamaMonkey]

I'd rather not ? but hang on...

[MamaMonkey]

faces blocked out to protect the innocent ?

[Damien Symonds]

Oh, right, I understand now.

This is just a simple matter of Levels.  Select that dark area, add a Levels layer and clip it to the cat layer, then use the black eyedropper to get the weight right.

https://www.damiensymonds.net/levels-eyedropper

[MamaMonkey]

Thanks!