Cattle play a critical role in food security and socio-cultural life in both developed and developing regions. In sub-tropical areas, they provide meat, milk, and income and hold cultural, religious, and social significance, being used in dowries, ceremonies, and as status symbols. However, most cattle are raised under extensive systems, making them vulnerable to environmental stressors, particularly drought. This study focused on the effectiveness of household response strategies to drought hazards. This study focused on Migori County in Kenya, a region that is prone to frequent and severe drought events. Within the county, Nyatike and Kuria East sub-Counties are particularly affected due to their semi-arid conditions. The study found that household socio-economic characteristics significantly influenced drought vulnerability. Factors such as household size, income diversity, land ownership, and livestock holdings were critical. Larger families with fewer income sources and a heavy reliance on cattle were more vulnerable, while households that diversified income or practiced mixed farming were more resilient. Environmental and livestock-related stressors including declining water sources, pasture shortages, livestock disease, and reduced milk yield further compounded vulnerability. In response, households employed coping strategies like livestock sales, alternative agriculture, mixed farming, off-farm employment, and remittances. Effectiveness varied by location; while livestock sales offered short-term relief, they were often unsustainable, especially in Masaba Ward. Remittances were more effective in areas like Muhuru and Komosoko. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 383 randomly selected households via structured questionnaires and interviews. About 69.6% found livestock sales effective; 43.6% in Masaba and 40.7% in Muhuru adopted alternative agriculture. However, strategy success varied widely across wards. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to build resilience in cattle-keeping households. Recommendations include improving water access, promoting pasture conservation, enhancing veterinary services, and encouraging income diversification. Policy gaps in drought preparedness must be addressed through coordinated action, climate-smart practices, early warning systems, and community-led contingency planning to safeguard livelihoods and food security in drought-affected regions, warning systems, and community-driven contingency plans to protect livelihoods and food security in drought-prone areas.