In a game devoid of chances it was no surprise to see neither goalkeeper stretched throughout the match, as both sides failed to bring any creativity to the encounter.
Peter Crouch had the best opening midway through the second half but he headed over the crossbar from an Oussama Assaidi delivery.
It went to the hosts as Ryan Shawcross rose at the front post to meet a Charlie Adam corner, however the central defender's header flew wide of goal.
Just after the half hour Stoke threatened again as Arnautovic and Adam linked well down the right, the Scot's low cross was aimed at Crouch but he was unable to bundle the ball past Marshall.
Begovic was only tested once as Cardiff threatened just before the break, Don Cowie fired a corner in from the right but Jordon Mutch's header was punched clear by the Bosnia goalkeeper.
Cardiff threatened first after the break through Peter Whittingham, but the midfielder's free-kick was straight at Begovic and he held the ball easily.
Mark Hughes' side have now failed to win five of their last six outings at the Britannia Stadium, coming out without a goal in four of those games as their stuttering start to life under the Welshman continues.
